Puberty can be an exciting time, but at the same time it can be confusing for many girls; it is a stage where you are growing up and you can start doing things that you were not able to do when you were a child. However, it can sometimes be difficult to know when this period is about to begin or what to expect. In most cases, the brain is preparing to send messages of change to the body by the age of eight, but the time when the physical and emotional signs begin to manifest varies from girl to girl; however, you can learn to recognize these signs to understand when this new period of your life is about to begin.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing Puberty Early
Step 1. Know what puberty is all about
Many girls associate it with menarche (first menstruation); however, it represents the time of change from childhood to adulthood, begins long before the menstrual cycle and can last for years. It typically begins with the development of body hair and the following changes:
- Body shape;
- Otherwise;
- Mindset.
Step 2. Start checking for signs
In most girls, puberty begins around age eight, when the body produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH); this indicates that the body begins the process of puberty, although it still takes some time before actually seeing the physical or mental changes.
- Know that most girls go through this phase between the ages of 8 and 13, which ends around the age of 14. After the release of the GnRH, the next first sign you notice is breast augmentation, followed by the spread of body hair.; typically, menarche occurs about two years after these first changes.
- Keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with seeing such signs of puberty on the body, it can actually help you prepare for what lies ahead.
Step 3. Evaluate the effects of physical factors
The age range at which girls enter puberty is very wide; each body is different and there are various physical factors that can affect, such as genetics or weight; knowing them can help you better predict when a specific phase begins. Some elements that can affect the moment you enter this period of life are:
- Ethnicity: African American girls often reach puberty earlier than Caucasian girls;
- Weight: If you weigh more, you are more likely to enter puberty earlier.
- Social factors: the absence of an adult male figure, the mother-daughter relationship, a stressful home environment are all factors that can induce early physical development; furthermore, some people believe that the clear exposure of sexuality through the media may contribute to early puberty in girls;
- Age at which puberty developed in family members: Most girls enter this phase of life at about the same age as their mother, sister, grandmother or aunt.
Step 4. Talk to your doctor
If you are concerned about your development, make an appointment with your doctor, who can see you and evaluate if you are growing normally or when you can expect to see the physical signs of puberty.
Ask him any questions you think are appropriate about your personal development or this stage of life; you don't have to feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk to him about your body
Part 2 of 3: Identifying the Physical Signals
Step 1. Check for growing breasts
This is the first physical sign of puberty for most girls. This process, also called telarca, usually occurs at the age of 9 or 10; you can recognize the "breast button" by the development of a dime-sized swelling under each breast.
- Check your chest and gently touch your breasts with your hands and fingers; the breast button appears as a small, firm and sensitive lump. You don't have to worry about checking your breasts with your hands or trying to feel something; It is perfectly normal to want to explore your body during development and beyond. You may also wonder if this bulge is a cyst, tumor, or abscess, but it's very likely none of these and you can feel pretty sure it's just the onset of puberty. However, if your breast swelling is painful, red, hot, or has discharge, talk to your parents about it so they can see you for a medical examination.
- Keep in mind that one breast may grow faster than the other; again, this is completely normal.
- If they are sensitive or feel more comfortable, consider wearing a bra. it is not necessary at this stage of development, but it can be an exciting feeling.
- Continue to check your breasts if you wish; you may notice that the fabric becomes larger and less firm over the next two years.
Step 2. Pay attention to the pubic hair
The second sign that makes you aware of the onset of puberty is the growth of pubic hair, called pubarca, on the vaginal lips, that is, on the fold of skin that surrounds the vagina. In some cases, you may notice this hair growth before the breast button, but both are clear signs that you are entering this new phase of life.
- Look at the pubic area, around the vagina, using your hands and fingers to search for hair; they may not be many and be straight and soft. As time passes, they start to get thicker, darker, coarse and curly; they can also begin to develop on the lower abdomen and inner thigh, with a triangular arrangement.
- Remember that you are not doing anything wrong with examining your vagina or labia for pubic hair.
Step 3. Pay attention to changes in fitness
Puberty means gradually becoming a woman and thus assuming her form; in addition to breast development, you may notice other changes. Look for changes in other parts of the body, which often become more rounded or slightly larger:
- Flanks;
- Thighs;
- Arm;
- Legs;
- Hands;
- Feet.
Step 4. Note the armpit hair
About two years after pubic hair growth, you should notice underarm hair. Pay attention if underarm hair follows a growth pattern similar to pubic hair - it may be sparse and soft at first and gradually become thicker, darker and coarser.
Based on your personal preferences, you may decide to shave them, as they promote bacterial proliferation and body odor; since they start to grow, you can also decide to put on deodorant to prevent bad smell
Step 5. Check for vaginal discharge
Within the first two years after the breast button has developed, you should have menarche, which is the first menstruation; however, about six months before this happens, you should notice an increase in clear vaginal discharge.
Check if the panties get dirty with these leaks; this is completely normal and common, unless they smell bad or itchy, in which case you should see your doctor
Step 6. Start your first menstrual cycle
For many girls this is the first sign of puberty and usually occurs between the ages of 9 and 16; when you start to notice the first vaginal discharge, be prepared because you will have menarche in about six months.
- Keep in mind that it is normal for the menstrual cycle to be quite irregular during the first two years; make a note of your period on a calendar to understand your personal cadence.
- Get the accessories you need to manage them; you have to start putting on pads, tampons or just a panty protector.
- Be aware that you may experience discomfort, such as cramps, back pain, or headaches before and during your period. you may also feel bloated due to hormonal changes. In many cases, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve any discomfort.
Step 7. Examine the skin
Most teenagers start to develop pimples or even acne breakouts; it is the consequence of the increased production of sebum, typical of puberty.
- Wash your face with a mild cleanser or soap to get rid of excess oil and reduce rashes.
- If the situation is severe, ask your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription medications to treat pimples. acne is a completely normal phenomenon during this period, but since puberty is also a phase of emotional changes, acne or skin rashes can become a problem or aggravate your mood.
Step 8. Expect a rapid increase in growth
At some point in puberty, a phase of rapid growth begins which lasts two or three years; in this period you could grow even more than 10 cm in a year!
You can also start gaining weight and notice other body shape changes, a more harmonious silhouette and wider hips
Part 3 of 3: Recognizing Emotional Signals
Step 1. Prepare for emotional changes
Puberty stimulates a greater circulation of hormones in the body, which can affect the brain, altering thoughts and emotions; if you notice these psychological changes, it is a good sign that indicates the onset of puberty. If you experience extreme mood swings, anxiety or depression, talk to your parents or doctor. Among the main emotional changes of this period you can note:
- Increased sensitivity to body changes or other things, such as criticism and mockery
- Much more intense emotions, for example jealousy of another girl that you would not have felt before;
- More frequent mood swings, suddenly passing from euphoria to sadness;
- Problems with your body image
- Lower self-esteem or less confidence in yourself
- Anxiety or even depression.
Step 2. Observe new mental patterns
In addition to emotions, the brain matures and stimulates the development of new thought patterns; some of the ones described below may let you know that you are entering puberty:
- You begin to understand more complex topics or topics, for example the consequences of not doing homework;
- Make decisions more often based on your morals, for example, you know it's okay to stand up for someone who is being bullied;
- You have a better perception of what you like and what you don't like.
Step 3. Develop a sense of yourself
Puberty means growing up to be an adult, and you may find that you have a better perception of yourself and who you are. Remember that these are completely normal changes, but they can cause confusion or anxiety; give yourself the opportunity to live new experiences to understand if they fit the new image of yourself.
- Try to get more independence by asking parents to be able to stay out late or go to the movies alone to see a movie with friends; these "concessions" can help you manage puberty and growth.
- Keep in mind that even your friends can change as you try to figure out who you are.
- Make your decisions respecting the limits of autonomy that parents grant you; for example, you can start choosing your everyday clothes.
- Know that conflicts are a normal aspect of this period; you may begin to notice that as you enter puberty, you run into multiple people, such as parents and friends.
Step 4. Be curious about your body
You may feel some curiosity about the body and sexuality; you may want to explore the body and also start masturbating. Again, these are completely normal, common behaviors that you shouldn't be ashamed of.
- Don't believe the myths about masturbation; it does not make you grow hair on your hands, it does not cause blindness, it does not develop emotional problems and it does not make you sterile.
- Ask friends, family or doctors about feelings or interest in the body or masturbation; you may feel embarrassed, but remember these are completely normal feelings.
Step 5. Experience attraction to other people
Since the ultimate reason for puberty is to prepare the body for procreation and since procreation is the consequence of sex, it is more than normal to have some sexual interest in another person.
- Make a romantic date if you feel attracted to someone, but know that your interest can change overnight due to hormones. Remember that to build a stable relationship, you need to meet someone you trust, who supports you, and who appreciates you for who you are.
- Talk to your parents, friends, family, or doctor if you have concerns about attraction to a person, desire for a date, kissing, or even sex. If you are considering having sex, talk to your parents, doctor, or another adult you trust so that they can help you in your decision and give you advice on avoiding unwanted pregnancy or illness.
Advice
- If you have any doubts or questions about puberty, talk to your mother or another adult you trust. remember that every woman has passed this period and you have no reason to be ashamed or uncomfortable.
- If you experience symptoms of a potential problem or something unusual that you are unsure about, see your doctor or ask someone; for example, vaginal discharge that is itchy or smells bad could indicate an infection that needs medical attention.
