Age for Puberty in Girls
By: Tsou JinyeuTotal Views: 493, Word Count: 628,
Puberty is a crucial time. It comes with many physical and mental changes which every girl goes through. This time is challenging for the girl and her parents. There are many misunderstandings regarding puberty in girls in the society. Let’s have a look at some essential points concerning age for puberty in girls.
What is Puberty?
Puberty is the procedure by which a child’s body turns into an adult’s body and becomes capable of reproduction. It is caused by hormonal signals from brain to the ovaries. It simply refers to the physical changes of sexual maturation.
Age for Puberty in Girls
Several changes take place in boys and girls during the puberty period, but the time is not fixed. It stars at different times and takes place at different rates too. It is not possible that every girl starts puberty at the age of 10 or so. Some girls start puberty at a younger age and in some girls the changes take place much later. Generally, it starts between the ages 7 and 13 in girls. The average rate of puberty begins in girls is at age 10. That is why many girls are taller and they act more maturely than boys. Boys need time to catch up.
A study proved that the average puberty age is now 9. It is a year earlier than the previous study in 2001. Changes linked with puberty may occur gradually or several signs may become visible.
Changes Occurring in Girls during Puberty
- At first, breast development begins. When the development begins, it is normal that you have a painful bump or bud underneath the nipple. Breasts generally take five years to get to their final shape and size. The changes occur in certain stages.
- Hair grows under the arms and genital area
- Periods generally starts after two years of puberty
- Body starts to grow curvier. Girls put on weight this time. Especially, on the hips and stomach looks bigger than before. This is normal, so don’t get worried and cautious about your weight.
- Perspiration increases
- Some people have acne on the face and back
- Virginal discharge starts or changes
- Because of these hormonal changes, teenagers experience a change in their emotions and get new sexual feelings.
- A girl goes through these changes to prepare her body to have a baby.
There is also variation in occurrence of these changes. It’s totally normal that your daughter looks smaller or bigger than other girls because she will experience the puberty in her own time, so don’t worry.
What is Delayed Puberty?
Sometimes, puberty starts either early or late. There are some medical reasons that cause delayed puberty. At times, if your child doesn’t follow the proper diet, then that will also cause delayed puberty.
Puberty may be late in girls who are going through the following:
- No development of breast tissue even at the age of 14
- No periods for 5 years or more after its first appearance
This is said to be the normal range, but girls should be checked by their physician in case they begin pubertal changes before age 8 or if there are no pubertal changes until the age of 14.
Do remember that this may be a critical stage for your daughter where she is experiencing the changes, both physically and emotionally. Talk to her about her doubts and problems. Solve them clearly. Don’t try to hide anything from her. Take care!
About the Author
Dr Tsou Jinyeu is a well known gynecologist and has been in this field since 1995. His special interests are – genetic and birth defects, high risk obstetrics, lupus in pregnancy, premature labour, premature delivery, triplets and ultrasound diagnosis. He is graduated from the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Nowdays he is working as a medical doctor at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health.
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