Pimples. Growing breasts. Body hair. Moody moments. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re likely on the path of puberty. It’s a road everyone travels, and it certainly has its bumps. But it’s also an amazing time!

1. Puberty begins and body changes; growth spurts can occur

Women come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and weights. Some girls are tall and curvy, while others are short and skinny. Some girls worry if their weight is normal for their age, but remember: everyone has a different body type, so it’s not useful to compare yourself to others.

It’s important to treat your body right your whole life - and especially during puberty when your body is going through so many changes. Try to develop healthy eating habits - drink lots of water, eat fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugary snacks like soda and candy. 

2. Genitals enlarge (Vulva, Vagina)

3. Hips widen

4. Ovulation

5. Menstruation begins in most girls

6. Your breasts start developing

Breasts come in endless shapes and sizes. There’s no way to predict how big or small your breasts will be, and there’s no way to know how long it will take your breasts to fully develop. On average, it takes about 4-5 years for your breasts to fully develop into their adult size.

Growth pubic hair

You will grow taller and your body becomes mature

Your pubic area is the triangular patch above your vagina. As you go through puberty, you will begin to notice that hair begins to grow here. This is called pubic hair!

Another potential change in your pubic area is a discharge from your vagina. You may notice this as a sticky liquid in your underpants. This is totally normal. The discharge comes from your vagina, and is normally clear, or white, and has very little smell. Your vagina makes this discharge to keep itself clean!

Acnes

Acne can appear - on your face, back, anywhere! - for many reasons. Especially during puberty, your skin produces more oil - and combined with bacteria and dirt, your pores get clogged and the result is acne. Other people have a family history of acne - whether you get it or not sometimes is genetic.

Here are some tips for preventing and getting rid of acne:

• Keep your face clean. Wash your face daily, gently, with warm water.
• Don’t pick or pop your pimples, no matter how much you want to! (even though it can be soooo irresistible) Picking and popping can lead to scarring and more pimples.
• Ask a doctor or nurse - there are drugs that can provide relief for some acne.