Physical changes during puberty for females

Puberty is a completely normal part of growing up. During this time, your body and mind go through lots of changes as you develop from a girl into a young woman. These changes are your body’s way of preparing for adulthood, including the possibility of having children one day, but most importantly, they’re a sign that you’re healthy and growing just as you should be.

Table of content:

• What is puberty?
• When does puberty begin?
• Physical changes during puberty in girls
• Emotional changes during puberty
• And what’s it like for boys?

What is puberty?

Puberty is a time when girls go through lots of physical, biological and emotional changes. Your body shape begins to change, you start developing breasts, and eventually you’ll have your first period. Skin changes like acne are also completely normal during this stage.

During puberty, your hormone levels change, you produce more oestrogen, as well as a small amount of hormones like testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). These hormones control how your body develops. In girls, emotional development usually happens a bit earlier and faster than sexual development, which is why feelings can sometimes feel intense during this time.

Before periods begin, girls usually have a growth spurt , growing taller quite quickly. This typically happens between the ages of 8 and 13. During this time, your hips may become rounder and your breasts start to grow and change shape. One of the biggest signs that puberty is underway is getting your first period, and you’ll also notice pubic hair starting to appear.

When does puberty begin?

Between about 8 and 14 years old (it’s different for everyone), girls start to notice their bodies changing and growing in new ways. This stage is called puberty , it’s when your body begins its journey from childhood into adulthood.

It’s important to bear in mind that these changes don’t all happen at the same time, they don’t always happen in the same order, or by a certain age, as the whole process can be very different from one person to the next.

A ‘growth spurt’ is what we call a rapid increase in growth, especially in height, which is particularly noticeable during puberty. The fastest growth spurt in girls tends to coincide with their first period, and from then on growth slows down. However, physical changes (growth in the breasts, growth of body hair, body growth) go on for a few more years.

When your breasts start to develop, you’ll notice a firmness underneath the areola, or the outer part of the nipple (on one or both breasts). This can feel a bit uncomfortable and is called the ‘breast bud’. In the following months, at the same time as changes are happening to the nipple and the areola, this bud starts to grow in size, until it forms a mound that you can actually see, and this will continue to develop until it becomes an adult breast. This breast development usually takes between five and nine years.

Physical changes during puberty in girls

Puberty happens because of a series of hormonal changes that activate and increase the production of what we call ‘sex hormones’: oestrogen in girls and testosterone in boys. These are responsible for the physical changes during puberty. You may hardly notice the first few months of puberty as the changes in your body are only slight until the production of oestrogen (or testosterone for boys) reaches a higher level.

Generally speaking, the first physical changes during puberty in girls are breast development and increase in height. Other physical changes during puberty in girls are outlined below.

Growth of underarm hair

During puberty you will start to grow armpit hair. It will be up to you to decide whether you want to remove it or leave it.

Growth of pubic hair

At some point, pubic hair will also start to grow in the intimate areas. At first, they will be fine and straight, but later they will become thicker and curlier.

Increase in the thickness and length of body hair

During puberty, the hair on the arms and legs also becomes longer and thicker.

Acne

During puberty, you might also notice changes to your skin, especially on your face. Your pores start to produce more natural oils, which can lead to spots or pimples. This is totally normal, and it can help to start a simple skincare routine that keeps your skin clean and cared for.

Hips

During puberty, you may notice that your hips start to widen. This happens because your pelvis is growing and changing shape as your body develops.

Changes to the vulva (labia, clitoris and hymen)

During puberty, the intimate parts of the body also change. The outer labia enlarge and cover the inner labia. The skin around the vulva becomes darker and the hymen thinner. Changes also occur inside the vagina, which lengthens and reaches 10-15 cm in length. It becomes more elastic and its walls are thicker. During this time it is also worth paying attention to proper hygiene.

Change in the sound of the voice

A change in the sound of the voice is part of puberty, triggered by a surge of hormones. However, voice mutation in girls is less noticeable than in boys. The voice becomes more 'adult' i.e. lower and deeper.

Increase in weight

It’s completely normal for girls to gain weight during puberty. Your body is growing quickly, and female hormones like oestrogen help you develop the curves you’ll have as an adult. This includes building a little more body fat, especially around the hips, thighs and chest , which is an important and healthy part of female development.

Nipple changes during puberty

As your breasts develop during puberty, you may notice some changes to your nipples. Don’t worry – this is completely normal! Just like breasts, nipples come in all shapes and sizes: some girls have “outie” nipples that stick out when they’re cold, and others have “innie” nipples that stick inwards. Having inverted nipples is totally normal and nothing to worry about. You may also notice some dark hair beginning to grow around your areola – this is also nothing to worry about, and all part of the process of puberty.

Your period

At some point, hormonal changes during puberty will cause the ovaries to start releasing the eggs that they’ve been storing since you were born. This will trigger the monthly menstrual cycle, and your period is just one part of this. The fancy word for the arrival of your first period is ‘menarche’. This normally takes quite a while – there is generally a gap of two to three years, but at least one year, between the first signs of breast development and the arrival of your first period. So, the average age for starting your period is between 10 and 16.

Once puberty is well underway, you move into adolescence, a time when you’re not just growing physically, but also figuring out who you are. It’s a stage full of new experiences, emotions and ideas, where you start to build your own identity and become more independent in both your mind and your body. As a rule, it can be said that we undergo physical changes during puberty and psychological changes during adolescence.

As with any period of change, it’s normal to feel confused, uncomfortable, or generally a bit out of sorts during puberty and adolescence. But it can also be a very interesting time for experimenting, and for exploring and getting used to your body.

Emotional changes during puberty

The body also goes through emotional changes during puberty. The way you think changes and you’ll notice you can express yourself better. You may also feel more self-conscious and unsure of yourself – but try not to worry. This is a time of physical and emotional change, so everyone else your age is feeling the same way. You will also feel more emotional in general, thanks to your hormones. Your fluctuating hormones are what cause mood swings during puberty, and you may notice that you feel like crying a lot more or are more easily upset.

And what’s it like for boys?

Boys normally start to change one or two years later than girls. They also experience physical changes during puberty:

• Body growth and growth in the size of their sex organs
• Their muscles become more developed
• They suffer from acne and facial and body hair starts to grow
• They start to ejaculate and so are able to fertilise eggs and make girls pregnant.