Page 30 - (DK) Help Your Kids with Growing Up: A No-Nonsense Guide to Puberty and Adolescence

28 FEMALE PUBERT Y

What is puberty? SEE ALSO 30–31 ›

Female hormones
Changing body 32–33 ›
During puberty, females reach physical maturity and become The menstrual cycle 36–37 ›
capable of sexual reproduction. Puberty can be a challenging Breasts 40–41 ›
time as teens transform emotionally and physically.

Reaching maturity GOOD T O KNO W
Both males and females begin puberty when the brain produces gonadotropin- Body confidence
releasing hormone (GnRH). This hormone triggers a wide range of physical and Many teen girls feel self-conscious or
emotional changes that take place in stages, over several years, as the body embarrassed about their body during
develops. The process is different for everyone, but the key stages are common puberty, but try not to worry – it
to all. It can be disorientating for teens, but talking to a trusted adult can help – happens to everyone. It’s natural and
after all, they once went through puberty, too.
it can be exciting.

What to expect
Girls begin puberty earlier than boys
do, usually between 8 and 14 years
old. During puberty, with so many Increase in height
transformations happening, it’s not One of the first signs
unusual for tweens and teens to feel of puberty, this can
as if their body and emotions are out sometimes happen
of control. By learning about how the in spurts. Growing breasts
body works, a teen can feel better
prepared for what will happen. the nipple, and the breasts grow
Small “breast buds” appear under
gradually bigger.

Pubic hair
The hair above and Gaining weight
around the genitals Greasy hair Bones become heavier,
gets thicker, darker, Most teens find their and an extra layer
and coarser. By the end hair gets greasy, and of fat stores the
of puberty this hair that they have to wash energy needed to
becomes curly. it more regularly than support growth.
they did before.

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