Especially for Teens – Growing Up

During puberty, your body changes — inside and out. The changes do not come all at once, and they do not happen at the same time for everyone. It is normal for changes to start as early as age 8 years, or not until age 14 years.

Changes In Girls During Puberty

As you reach puberty, a part of your brain tells your sex glands — your ovaries — to start working. The sex glands then signal other parts of your body to start to grow. These signals are carried by hormones. Hormones are made by your body to control its functions. They cause your body to change and start being more like an adult:

* Your breasts grow.
* You gain weight and grow taller.
* Your hips may get wider.
* You grow hair under your arms and around the vulva.
* Your body odor may change.
* You may get acne or pimples.

Hormones also cause changes that prepare a girl’s body to be able to have a baby. The ovaries contain eggs, and when a girl matures, one egg is released each month. This is called ovulation.

Your Menstrual Period

There is no way to tell when you will have your first period. The average age is 12 years, but it can happen earlier or later. The first period is usually very light — only a few drops of blood. Periods usually last between 3 days and 7 days and happen about once a month.

When you first start having periods, they may not be regular. There may be times when you miss a period. You may have two periods in 1 month. This is normal. It can take a while for your body to get on a regular pattern.

Keeping a Schedule

It is a good idea to use a calendar to keep track of your periods. Mark an “X” on the calendar on the first day your period starts. Count the first “X” as day 1. Keep counting the days until you have your next period. If you do this every month, you will be able to tell how many days there are between your periods.

Be Prepared

It is best to plan ahead and be prepared for your period. Have pads or tampons ready at home and carry them with you to school. Pads are attached to the inside of your underwear. They absorb the blood as it leaves the vagina. Tampons are worn inside the vagina to catch the flow before it leaves the body. If you cannot decide whether to use a pad or tampon, talk with your mother, school nurse or another adult you trust. You should change your pad or tampon at least every 4 hours.

Do not leave a tampon in your vagina for more than 8 hours because that can lead to an infection called toxic shock syndrome.

Discomforts

Many girls have cramps (a feeling of tightness and pain) in the lower abdomen and back at the start of their menstrual periods. Some girls also get headaches, dizziness, diarrhea or nausea. This is normal.

Looking and Feeling Your Best

The many changes your body goes through in puberty can sometimes make you feel awkward or uneasy. Taking care of your body will help you feel and look your best.

Eating Right

Your body needs nutrients to grow. Eating a balanced diet will help keep you healthy. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and drink lots of milk.

Staying in Shape

To help keep your body in shape, you need to be active. Getting regular exercise can make your muscles and bones stronger and give you more energy. It also can help decrease menstrual cramps.

Dealing With Acne

Acne is caused by glands under the skin that produce a natural oil called sebum. Puberty makes these glands produce extra sebum, which can clog the pores in your skin. Washing your face often with water and mild cleanser usually helps get rid of the excess sebum in your pores. This will help reduce pimples and acne.

Finally…

Puberty is a time of many changes. Everyone is different. Don’t worry if your body starts to develop before — or after — most of your friends. Remember, what you are feeling and going through happens to everyone.

This excerpt from ACOG’s Patient Education Pamphlet is provided for your information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, have any questions, or wish to receive the full text of this Patient Education Pamphlet, please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.

This information is provided for your information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, or have any questions, please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.