What to Expect During Puberty in Girls

Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DOFact checked by Maddy Simpson

The word puberty is derived from the Latin word “puber,” which means adult.

Puberty is the term used to describe the years during which a girl’s body undergoes the transition to physiologic adulthood. During this time, a series of changes happen in the body. These changes cause sexual development, a different body shape, and an increase in height. In addition, this is a time when a girl begins to mature emotionally.

Not only does a girl’s body change how it looks, but it also changes how it works, since menstruation starts during puberty.

Puberty starts when a part of the brain called the hypothalamus starts to produce a hormone called GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). Once the hypothalamus starts to release this hormone in a specific pattern—called a “pulsatile pattern”—it causes another structure at the base of the brain called the anterior pituitary gland to produce two important substances: FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). These substances, called gonadotropins, then stimulate the ovaries to release estrogen and progesterone.

The process of puberty has several stages. In girls, these changes usually start between the ages of eight and 12. The stages of puberty describe the changes that are happening in the body. Puberty typically lasts about two to three years, but every child is different, and individual experiences may vary.

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Stages of Puberty for Girls

Thelarche: During this stage, a girl’s breasts begin to form. This starts with a small change called a breast bud. Breasts begin to form around age 11, although recent studies show that this process is now starting earlier. Girls may begin breast development around age 9. Sometimes only one breast will start to develop. Usually, within a few months, the other will start as well. This can be perfectly normal.

Pubarche: This is the initial appearance of pubic hair that is very fine. This usually happens around the same time as breast budding but may happen a little later.

Adrenarche: During this phase, pubic hair increases in amount and changes in texture from fine to coarse. This is also the time when underarm hair develops and body odor starts. This phase is also when girls start to develop acne. This phase happens in the years between the first breast bud and the first period.

Menarche: This is the term used to describe the arrival of a girl’s first period. The average age is 12 years old, but a little earlier or a little later can be perfectly normal.

During puberty is also when a girl starts to get taller. Generally, after the appearance of breast buds, a girl’s height will begin to increase at a quicker pace than when she was younger. At some point during puberty, a girl will have a very rapid increase in her height, which is called a “growth spurt.” This typically happens several months before a girl’s period starts.

When a girl starts these changes and how long the process takes varies. From the appearance of breast buds until the first period usually takes about two to three years, but it is perfectly normal if it takes a little less time or a little more time to complete these changes.

Puberty is a part of normal growth and development. If puberty doesn’t happen or happens too early, it may be a sign that something may be wrong and needs medical attention. The following may indicate a problem and should be discussed with a doctor:

• Breast buds or fine pubic hair begin to develop before age eight.

• There is no breast development by the age of 13.

• Menstruation has not started in a girl by the age of 15 who has had normal breast and pubic hair development.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.