Puberty Stages of Development in Females

Overview
Puberty in females is a process that varies from girl to girl. There is a wide range of 'normal' starting times, and the onset time varies in different ethnic groups. For example, it may occur between the ages of 8 and 14 for Caucasian girls, while some African American girls reach puberty at 7 years of age.

Symptoms
Puberty consists of two major changes: Rapid increases in height and weight and the development of breasts, pubic hair and underarm hair.

The average age and stage of puberty vary, but the average age and stage is listed below:

8 to 9 years old
Growth spurt begins at this age. Breasts are prepubertal, meaning they have no visible tissue. Girls also have no pubic hair.

11 years old
The areola (pigmented area around the nipple) enlarges and becomes darker. It raises to become a mound around the areola with a small amount of breast tissue underneath. This is called a bud. Also, a few long, slightly darkened hairs appear on the vagina (usually on the labia). The growth spurt has probably slowed by this age, as well.

12 years old
Breast tissue appears past the edge of the areola. A moderate amount of curly, pigmented and coarse appears hair on the mons pubis (the raised, fatty area above the labia). Hair begins to spread more laterally and 70 percent of girls have their first menstrual period.

13 years old
There is continued development of breast tissue and the areola and nipple now protrude. The growth spurt usually ends during this time and body fat reaches a mature proportion (26 percent). After menstruation begins, girls possibly grow three to four inches more, although it is usually less.

14 years old
Pubic hair has reached its adult growth rate and some long pigmented hairs may grow on the inner thighs.

15 years old
Breasts have usually reached their adult size by this time.

Ask Your Doctor
If you are worried that you are going through these changes too early or too late, talk to your doctor.

If you feel concerned or confused about these changes, ask your mother or an older sister. They have gone through these changes already and can talk to you about what it is like.