Girls go through puberty in a series of steps. These changes usually start earlier than in boys. Every girl is different so timing can vary. Here are the average ages when some changes may happen:

• Puberty starts: Around 8 to 13 years
• First change: Breast development
• Pubic hair appears: Shortly after breast development
• Pubic hair appears: Around 13-14 years
• Underarm hair: 12 years
• Menstrual periods: 10-16 years

Body Changes in Girls During Puberty

• Hair growth: Hair begins to show up in the pubic area, underarms and on the legs. Many girls choose to shave, but it’s a personal choice.
• Body shape changes: Girls grow taller and gain weight. The hips get wider, and there may be more fat in the buttocks, legs and stomach. This is normal.
• Limbs grow: Feet, arms and legs may grow faster than the rest of the body. This might make girls feel a little clumsy for a while.
• Skin and sweat changes: Hormones can make the skin oilier and sweating may increase. Acne might appear. It helps to wash the skin daily.
• Menstrual periods begin: This is when the body releases an egg from the ovaries. If it isn’t fertilized, the body sheds the uterine lining through the vagina. This is called a period, and it usually happens about once a month. Once a girl gets her period, she can get pregnant if the egg meets sperm.

Children’s Wisconsin has many resources to help you and your teen through the changes of growing up:

Talking about it: Adolescent medicine specialists in our Teen Health Clinic can help answer questions and clear up confusion or fear about growing up.

Learn about being a tween: As changes begin, it helps to know what’s happening, when to expect it and why it matters.

Safer teen driving: It’s more than just learning the rules. Parents can help their teens build safe driving habits with helpful tips and guidance.

What Does My Teen Understand?

The teen years bring big changes. These are not just in the body, but also in how a teen thinks and feels.

How Teens Think

As they grow:

• They think in deeper and more complex ways.
• They care about things like philosophy, politics or social issues.
• They start to make long-term plans and set goals.
• They may start to compare themselves to others their age.

Relationships and Feelings

As teens try to become more independent, you may notice changes in how they act with others:

• They may want more independence from parents.
• Friends and fitting in becomes very important.
• Peer pressure may play a bigger role.
• They may fall in love.
• They might even be in a serious relationship.

Physical Exams

• A physical exam helps keep you healthy and should be done every year.
• Teens often need physicals before joining sports.
• The doctor will check your teen’s:
• Eyes, ears, nose, throat and mouth
• Abdomen (stomach area), back, legs and arms
• Thyroid (a gland in your neck)
• Genitals (penis and testicles)
• They may also screen for:
• High blood pressure
• Scoliosis (curved spine)
• Obesity (being overweight)