2. Puberty: Understanding Change
If you’re a young girl between the ages of 10-
14, chances are you’ve begun to experience
some bodily changes. These can be visible,
including breast growth and acne, but there are
also many changes happening which we can’t
see. It’s called puberty, and adjusting to this
stage can be quite scary. However,
understanding what’s happening to our bodies
makes the process more manageable.
3. Its Normal!
• All girls and women experience the same
changes when they begin to mature
• This is the first time your body has begun to
change so drastically. It can take time to adjust
to your new body, but that’s Ok!
• Getting to know and love your body is part of
becoming a woman.
4. …but my normal is different than yours
Although women experience
similar changes, these changes
can affect each woman
differently. Girls can experience
differences in:
• Breast development
• Acne
• Menstrual Cycle
6. Stage 1 (Ages 8-11):
• the only signs of puberty occur inside the body
• ovaries react to hormones and estrogen is
produced
7. Stage 2 (Ages 11-12):
• breasts and pubic hair begin to grow
• Areolas darken and rise
• A growth spurt occurs
8. Stage 3 (Ages 12-13):
• Growth of breasts and
pubic hair continues
• Armpit hair starts to grow
• The vagina grows in size
• The first menstrual cycle
begins
9. Stage 4: (Ages 13-14)
• level of body fat reaches an adult level
• Pubic and underarm hair are more coarse
• Ovulation* begins to establish a rhythm
*Ovulation: part of the menstrual cycle where fully
developed eggs are discharged from the ovaries.
The egg travels down the fallopian tube where it
can be met by sperm
10. Stage 5 (Ages 14-17):
• Puberty has ended
• A young woman’s body is fully matured
• A woman’s maximum adult height is
reached
• Breasts have reached their full size
• Pubic hair is fully developed
11. TRUE or FALSE?
Every girl should have her period by the age of
13.
FALSE
Each girl is different and develops at her
own rate. You may want to notify a doctor
if you haven’t gotten a period by the age
of 15. However, some girls can get their
periods as late as 16 years old.
12. TRUE or FALSE?
Chocolate causes pimples, especially during
puberty.
FALSE
While many believe that chocolate can directly cause pimples,
this is not the case. Acne is a result of overactive glands in the
skin. Certain foods may seem to cause your skin to break out,
so it may be wise to limit the consumption of these foods.
However, you do not need to avoid chocolate to have clear
skin.
13. You should get your period:
• A. Every Week
• B. On the same day once a month
• C. Every 2 months
• D. None of the above
D. None of the Above. Remember ladies, my normal
isn’t your normal. There are many factors that may
influence a woman’s menstrual cycle, including
stress or weight loss or gain. A woman’s period
should occur once a month, but it may not occur on
the same date each time.
14. Girl Chat!
• Are you scared to go through puberty?
• Have you begun experiencing puberty
already? What are some of the things you
dislike the most? Is there anything about
puberty you enjoy?
• Does finishing puberty make you a woman?
• Are there any myths regarding puberty that
you would like to share?
