Puberty generally starts earlier for girls than it does for boys, usually between the ages of 9 and 13, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Although it brings some exciting changes, it also can be a time of embarrassment, awkwardness and confusion. Learning what to expect during puberty can help girls prepare themselves for both the good and bad changes that will occur.
Physical Changes
Many physical changes occur in a girl's body as she goes through puberty. Her breasts begin to develop and enlarge, and her hips will widen. Her body will begin to store fat in the stomach, buttocks and legs. Arms, legs and feet usually grow a bit faster than the rest of the body parts during this time, which may result in some awkwardness or clumsiness. Hair begins to grow on the arms, underarms, legs and area between the legs. Skin typically gets oilier, which may cause acne breakouts.
Menstruation
A girl gets her first menstrual period during puberty, typically between the ages of 9 and 16, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. This indicates the girl is physically capable of having a baby, although it does not mean she is emotionally or mentally ready for that yet. During menstruation, the lining of the uterus sheds when an egg is not fertilized. This causes vaginal bleeding, and girls will need to wear a sanitary pad or tampon to absorb this fluid. Many girls will also experience bloating, headaches or mood swings during this time. Menstrual cramps are also common, and can be relieved by ibuprofen or other pain-relieving medications. Most menstrual periods typically last from three to seven days. The first couple of days are usually the heaviest, and then the flow tends to taper off the following days. The next menstrual cycle will usually occur about a month after, but it may take a few years for a girl's periods to become regular and predictable.
Considerations
The decision to use pads or tampons during menstruation is a person choice. Some girls feel uncomfortable inserting a tampon into their vagina, while others dislike the feeling of wetness that is associated with only wearing a sanitary pad. Although it is a matter of personal preference, it is important for girls to realize that different brands of products may work or feel differently than others. For example, some tampons are designed for heavy flow days and are bulky, while others are for light-flow days and are skinnier and easier to insert. Some sanitary pads are quite thick and have "wings" to protect underwear from stains, while others are much more thin and discreet. Girls should experiment with different kinds of feminine products to figure out which ones suit them the best.
Emotional Changes
Many girls will experience emotional changes during puberty in addition to the physical ones. Mood swings are common, and it is quite natural to feel happy one moment and angry or sad the next. Many girls going through puberty develop a strong desire to be away from their parents or family and be with their friends instead. An urge to "fit in" and be accepted by their peers frequently occurs, and many girls will often start comparing themselves to others. Since puberty occurs at different ages, girls that develop much faster or slower than their friends may become embarrassed by their bodies. Sexual thoughts and fantasies usually begin to surface during this time, which can be both exciting and embarrassing for many girls.
Warning
Although most changes in puberty are normal and not a cause for concern, some things indicate possible problems. Girls that have very heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts more than seven to 10 days, severe abdominal pains that last for more than two days and those that have any concerns that their menstrual cycle is not normal should tell their parents or call a doctor, warns the American Academy of Pediatrics. Those girls that are thinking of becoming sexually active, or who already have been sexually active, should also talk to their parents or a doctor about the risks of doing so and ways to protect themselves.
