🌸 What is Female Puberty?
Puberty is the phase when a girl’s body develops from a child into an adult who can reproduce. It is caused by hormones (mainly estrogen and progesterone) released from the ovaries under the control of the pituitary gland.
🌸 When Does it Start?
Usually between 8-13 years.
Early puberty = before 8 years
Late puberty = no signs by 13 years
🌸 Main Hormones Involved
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) – from hypothalamus
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) – stimulates ovaries
LH (Luteinising Hormone) – triggers estrogen production
Estrogen & Progesterone – develop female features and regulate menstruation
🌸 Stages of Female Puberty (Tanner Stages)
Stage 1 (Pre-puberty)
No visible changes
Hormones start rising slowly
Stage 2 (Breast Buds)
Small lumps under nipples (breast buds)
Areola (dark area) may enlarge
Sparse light pubic hair appears
Stage 3
Breasts grow further
Pubic hair becomes darker and curlier
Growth spurt begins – rapid height increase
Stage 4
Breasts take fuller shape but not yet adult-like
Pubic hair resembles adult hair but less dense
Underarm hair starts growing
Stage 5 (Maturity)
Adult breast size and shape
Adult pattern of pubic and underarm hair
Periods become regular within 1-2 years
🌸 Major Physical Changes
✅ Breast development (first sign)✅ Growth spurt (quick increase in height)✅ Pubic and underarm hair growth✅ Wider hips and more body fat (to prepare for childbirth in future)✅ Start of menstruation (menarche) – usually between 10-15 years, average 12-13✅ Vaginal discharge before periods begin (normal)✅ Oily skin and acne/pimples due to active oil glands
🌸 Emotional and Mental Changes
✅ Mood swings✅ Feeling shy or self-conscious about body✅ Stronger emotions or irritability✅ Developing interest in relationships
🌸 Other Changes
✅ Sweat glands become more active (body odour increases)✅ Hair on arms and legs may become darker/thicker✅ Changes in voice (slight deepening but not as much as boys)✅ Development of sexual feelings and identity
Why do mood swings happen more often during puberty?
How does puberty affect self-esteem and body image?
Why might teens feel more stressed or anxious during puberty?
How can developing communication skills help cope with emotional changes during puberty?
What role does sleep play during puberty, and why do teens tend to stay up later?
How does puberty influence friendships and peer pressure?
Why do some teenagers become more independent during puberty?
How can puberty affect a person's sense of identity or gender?