For girls, puberty usually starts between around the ages of eight and thirteen. Every girl's body develops at a different rate, so some girls may start puberty earlier or later than this.

Physical Changes:

• Growth Spurt: For two or three years, girls may suddenly start growing several inches a year.
• Curvier Bodies: Girls begin to gain weight on their hips, and their breasts begin to develop. It's normal for girls going through puberty to gain some weight. If you're concerned about your weight, talk to your GP about what is a healthy weight for you.
• Vaginal Discharge: A clear or white mucus-like fluid may be discharged from the vagina.
• Menstrual Periods: As a woman’s body releases an egg every month, the lining of the uterus grows thicker ready for possible pregnancy. This is where a fertilized egg will attach and grow. If the egg is not fertilized, the egg and lining are not needed and leave the body through the vagina. This monthly period usually lasts 2-7 days. Unless a woman is pregnant this cycle will happen naturally every month until the menopause.
• Hair Growth: Hair begins to grow in new places. This includes: under the arms and in the pubic area (on and around the genitals). Also, hair on the arms and legs may grow longer, darker, and thicker.
• Body Odour: Some girls may find that, with puberty, their underarms emit an unpleasant smell. This smell can be controlled by washing often and using deodorant. If you also find a lot of sweat make sure you use an anti-perspirant deodorant to control the wetness.
• Acne, or pimples: Acne is triggered by puberty hormones, and usually appears on the face. It can also appear on the upper chest and upper back. Acne can usually be kept under control by simply keeping clean. A GP can help with particularly bad cases of acne. The one good thing about acne is that it usually clears up by the end of adolescence.

Emotional Changes

Along with all these physical changes, a girl also changes a lot internally and emotionally. A young girl can become anxious or insecure about the way she looks because her appearance has changed drastically in a very short amount of time. A girl going through puberty is also dealing with what it means to be an individual, distinct from everyone else. All of these emotional changes can cause a young girl to be very sensitive and easily upset over little things.

It’s important for young people to remember that each person is unique and develops physically and emotionally in their own way and in their own time. Because of this, young people shouldn’t feel bad or tease others for developing ‘too fast’ or ‘too slowly’. Puberty can be a hard time emotionally for many young people.

It is important for young people to remember that each person is unique and develops physically and emotionally in their own way and in their own time. Because of this, young people shouldn’t feel bad or tease others for developing ‘too fast’ or ‘too slowly’. Puberty can be a hard time emotionally for many young people. The most important things to remember is that there is no right or wrong way to look. It is most important to be yourself.