FAQs About Puberty for Growing Girls

Puberty is such an exciting time for girls! The body begins to change, hormones are introduced, and emotions can heighten. While this is a time of new beginnings and growth, it is also normal to experience feelings of nervousness, uncertainty, and discomfort. Magnolia Place is here to ensure you that you are not alone in those thoughts. Our women’s health Greenville NC center is here to provide you with vital information regarding puberty and growth. Read along to learn more about your growing body, what it means for you, and how you can navigate these changes.

When will I start puberty?

Puberty typically starts between the ages of eight and 14, but each body is different. Development progresses at different rates, so there is no one golden range that you should expect for your puberty to fit under. There is no one correct way to go through puberty, either. Your period may start irregular, your breasts may develop quickly or slowly. There is no one correct way to grow, have grace with yourself! If you find that you have questions, please contact our women’s health Greenville NC center, or have a conversation with a woman in your life that you trust. We are here to listen and provide you with advice from medical professionals.

What happens to my body during puberty?

It is common to experience a multitude of changes throughout puberty. These changes will likely occur gradually throughout your puberty stage, not overnight. Below are the common changes that you are likely to experience over the course of puberty:

Height Growth

During puberty, expect to grow. This may happen quicker than other elements of puberty. During this growth, you may experience leg pain, which is attributed to the development of your growth plates.

Breasts and Hips Will Develop

Your breasts and hips will get bigger throughout the puberty process. If you feel itchy or uncomfortable, allow our team of women’s health Greenville NC professionals to put your mind to rest. This is completely normal, and part of the process of a growing body. Breasts may begin to itch due to the stretching of the skin. Because of this persistent tightness of the surrounding area, you may experience this uncomfortable sensation. This will subside.

Hair Growth

Hair will begin to grow under your arms and around your vaginal area. There is a chance that you may develop hair in other areas, such as your upper lip. This is a normal occurrence. Body hair is normal.

Periods and Vaginal Discharge Begins

While periods may seem daunting, they are a wonderful function of the female anatomy! Our periods allow us to bring new life into the world and are essential to our well-being and homeostasis. During your period, blood and vaginal discharge may leak from the vagina. This process is best compared to a filter system, refreshing your body of the uterine lining. If you have any questions regarding periods, vaginal bleeding, discharge, and other changes, we recommend that you contact our gynecologist in Greenville NC. Our women’s health Greenville NC providers are here to answer any questions you have, explain symptoms, methods of care, and puberty literacy. We are here for you!

What causes puberty to happen?

When we hit puberty, chemical changes occur. These changes are due to the glands within our body that produce gender-specific hormones. These special hormones are what make our bodies change. The two hormones that trigger the female sex organs to grow are the luteinizing hormone and the follicle-stimulating hormone. These two hormones signal to the female sex organs to begin releasing estrogen, which is the catalyst for puberty.

Magnolia Place | Women’s Health Greenville NC

At Magnolia Place, our mission is to provide health literacy to our community starting at a young age. Pre-pubescent girls have a lot of growth to undergo, and no one deserves to go through those changes without a helping hand! Our team of women’s health Greenville NC professionals is here to listen, care, and support your daughter through these times of change and growth. To learn more about how we can support your daughter through puberty, please visit our website or contact our offices today.