Stages of Puberty for Girls
Kids with ovaries go through distinct physical changes during puberty. Discover the stages of puberty for girls and how parents can help them adjust.
Medically reviewed by Bree Lustre, MDMedically reviewed by Bree Lustre, MD
Puberty can be a perplexing time for young people and their caregivers. There is a lot of change happening, and it can be challenging to adjust, but with love and support, you can get through this process together.
Understanding puberty, including what to expect, is key to helping support your child. Learn about the stages of puberty for girls and how to address any unique concerns that may come with it, like their first period, acne, and body image.
Marc Romanelli / Getty Images
Signs of Puberty
Every person develops at their own rate. Typically, puberty in kids with ovaries begins as early as age 8, but some may develop earlier, and some may develop later. The changes they experience can happen quickly or can take place more gradually.
Signs of puberty for girls include:
Breast development
Changes in sweat patterns
Body odor
Acne development
Pubic hair and axillary hair growth
Getting their first period
Getting taller
Wider hips
Thinner waist
Growth spurts tend to occur at a younger age for those with ovaries than those with testicles. The biggest height change they will experience usually occurs between when their breast buds emerge and about six months before their first period.
Puberty also can be fraught with emotion and uncertainty. Some young people struggle to make sense of what is happening in their bodies and may even wish that it wasn't happening at all. Others may be disappointed that they are developing at a slower rate than their peers.
Try to remain aware of how your child is feeling about puberty and look for the right time to start a conversation about it. It is important that they not only feel supported and understood but that they can ask questions or express their feelings anytime they want.
Tanner Stages of Puberty for Girls
Teens go through a multitude of changes as they become young adults. During puberty, their bodies change in a somewhat predictable way. These changes are sometimes called Tanner stages, and health care providers use them to gauge if your teen is developing appropriately.
In tweens with ovaries, there are Tanner stages for pubic hair and breast development. Interestingly, these two areas do not always develop at the same time, with pubic hair often being the first sign of puberty.
Pubic hair development
During puberty, coarser hair will begin to grow in the genital area as well as under the arms and on the legs. In about 15% of people assigned female at birth, pubic hair growth may be the first sign of puberty and may show up before breast budding begins.
Pubic Hair Stages
Pubic Hair Stage 1: This is the stage before puberty starts. There are no pubic hairs at this time.
Pubic Hair Stage 2: There is long, soft, colorless hair near the labia majora (outer labia).
Pubic Hair Stage 3: More pubic hairs start to grow. Hairs become darker and start to curl.
Pubic Hair Stage 4: The pubic hairs become coarser, thicker, and curlier, though they are not as abundant as in an adult. Hair fills the entire triangle overlying the pubic region.
Pubic Hair Stage 5: Pubic hair extends beyond the groin area and spreads onto the inner thigh.
Breast development
Typically, breast development begins between the ages of 8 and 13. The first sign of breast development is a slight swelling under the nipple. These nickel-sized bumps are often called breast buds. They are often tender or sore and may grow unevenly, with one side growing faster than the other.
Over time, this difference in growth should even out, but many adults find that their breasts differ in size, which is normal. As the breasts grow, they also may itch and feel painful as the skin stretches. Buying a bra—especially a "training bra" with a little padding—will help protect the breasts and minimize the pain that can occur from getting bumped.
Throughout puberty, the breasts will become rounder and fuller, and the area around the nipple, or the areola, may become darker and larger. The nipple may also begin to stick out more.
Breast Stages
Breast Stage 1: This is the stage before puberty starts. There is no breast tissue, and the areola is flat against the chest.
Breast Stage 2: There is a small amount of breast tissue under the areola.
Breast Stage 3: The breast tissue and areola have enlarged further, but the areola is still flat against the chest.
Breast Stage 4: Breast tissue continues to grow and is distinct from the chest wall. The areola and papilla (small bumps of tissue around the nipple) are now raised up from the chest wall.
Breast Stage 5: The areola flattens out again to the curve of the breast. The areola gets darker, the nipple begins to protrude, and the papillae start to develop.
Other Puberty Changes and Considerations
As a parent, it is important to be aware of and understand what your child may be going through during puberty. You can empower them as well as decrease apprehension and uncertainty by talking openly and honestly about puberty.
Take time to answer any questions. If you do not know the answer, ask a health care provider. Giving your tween accurate information and supporting them when they are confused or concerned will help build confidence and may even help them appreciate the changes they are experiencing.
Related: I Have 4 Tween & Teen Daughters—These 14 Products Make Navigating Their Periods So Much Easier
Menstrual cycle
While everyone is different, most young people get their first period two to three years after their breast buds develop. In the U.S., the average age of the first menstrual cycle is 12 years old. Of course, sometimes it will happen earlier and sometimes later.
Help your child by talking about it. Here are some tips:
Periods are normal: Early on, it is important to establish that having a period is normal and that it is OK to talk about it. Kids should not feel ashamed or embarrassed and should be encouraged to ask questions or bring up any concerns they have.
When to expect it: Once breast buds begin to develop, it is important to help tweens and young teens prepare for their first period. Consider giving your tween some period products—a few pads or panty liners to put in their backpack or locker at school.
What it will look like: You also want to be sure they know what to expect so that they are not alarmed or afraid. For instance, some will have bright red blood on their first period and others will only experience a red-brown discharge. It is important to know that both are completely normal.
Periods may be unpredictable: First periods may not be predictable; they could potentially be irregular for the first few years as physiological changes continue. Some people experience periods every 21 days, and others may go as long as 35 days. Even those with regular cycles may not get a period every month.
Body changes
During puberty, hormones are also changing. These fluctuations can cause changes in emotions, acne, and body odor. Here's what you can do about these embarrassing problems:
Acne: If acne becomes problematic and cannot be controlled with over-the-counter cleansers and medications, you may want to talk to a health care provider or dermatologist. Having uncontrolled acne can contribute to feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem.
Body odor: Your child also may experience sweating under the armpits and increased body odor. For this reason, most young people begin using deodorant during the start of puberty. Because their bodies are producing more oil and sweat, they may also need to shower and shampoo more frequently.
Hygiene: If your child struggles with daily hygiene or resists showering or washing their hair, gently encourage them to develop a routine that fits with their schedule and commitments. It is important for teens to care for their own bodies but avoid shaming or making negative comments about their hygiene habits. Instead, encourage them to be proactive when it comes to self-care.
Related: Tweens Are Obsessed With Makeup and Skincare—Here’s Why I’m on Board
Body image issues
Every young person experiences puberty differently. Some kids will be excited to start looking older and others may feel self-conscious and insecure—especially if they are developing earlier or later than their peers. One small study found that girls who go through puberty early experience high levels of anxiety and negative body image compared to those who begin puberty at a time consistent with their peers.
Here are some body image issues to watch for during puberty:
Weight: One area where your teen may struggle is the expected weight gain that comes with puberty. Not only is their body rapidly changing, but these physical changes correspond with a heightened exposure to conventional ideas of beauty.
Breast size: Kids may feel pressure to be thin or to have large breasts—both of which can set them up for body image issues. This pressure to be thin or have the ideal body is felt more intensely by those who mature early, making them more vulnerable to perceiving their bodies in a negative light. Weight-based teasing can also contribute to body dissatisfaction.
Mental health issues: A negative body image can lead to issues including teen depression, social withdrawal, and even eating disorders.
From the start of puberty, it's important to recognize that these issues are possible and help build your teen's self-confidence and appreciation of what their body can do rather than how it looks. Instead of focusing on weight or appearance, build your teen's self-esteem by pointing out their character strengths like kindness, generosity, or work ethic.
While it is important that your teen learn to love their body, try not to focus on their development, weight, or appearance. Instead, keep the focus on taking care of themselves mentally and physically.
Related: The 5 Stages of Puberty in Boys
For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Parents.
