Health Library

Puberty: Adolescent Female

Teenagers. Adolescents. Adolescence. Puberty. These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are important differences. Teenagers and adolescents are similar terms, and refer to the same span in years of age. But adolescence is the time that youth engage in the developmental tasks of adolescence. These tasks include establishing an adult identity, seeking independence from adults, and establishing economic self-sufficiency. These tasks may begin before the teen years, and might not be completed until the late teens or early 20s.

Puberty includes the biologic changes that adolescents experience, which include the adolescent growth spurt. There are many other changes associated with puberty, which we will discuss in detail below.

It’s important to know that there is a great amount of variation in when and how quickly these changes happen. Some adolescents may experience these signs of maturity sooner or later than others. It is important to remember that these changes happen at different times for everyone. Being smaller or bigger than other girls is normal as each child experiences puberty at her own time.

On average, females begin puberty between 8-11 years of age.

What are Typical Changes During Puberty?

Puberty happens in stages for females, and these changes usually start earlier than they do for males of the same age. Every girl is different, so the timing and order of these changes can vary. Below is a list of common changes that happen during puberty.

• Beginning of puberty: 8 to 11 years
• First pubertal change: usually breast development
• One year to 18 months later: height spurt; about one year after that: menstrual period
• Pubic hair development: shortly after breast development, but occasionally at the same time or may start before breast development
• Hair under the arms: 12 years

There are specific stages that females go through when developing secondary sexual characteristics. Below is a brief overview of the changes that happen:

• In girls, the first puberty change is the development of breast buds, in which a small mound is formed by the elevation of the breast and papilla (nipple). The areola (the circle of different colored skin around the nipple) gets larger at this time.
• The breasts then continue to enlarge.
• Eventually, the nipples and the areolas will rise again, forming another projection on the breasts.
• At the adult state, only the nipple remains elevated.
• Pubic hair development is similar for both girls and boys. The first growth of hair is long and soft in a small area around the genitals. This hair then becomes darker and coarser as it continues to spread.
• The pubic hair eventually looks like adult hair, but in a smaller area. It may spread to the thighs and sometimes up the stomach.

Other physical changes that may happen during puberty include:

• There may be an increase in hair growth, not only in the pubic area, but also under the arms and on the legs. Some women may decide to shave this hair.
• Body shape will begin to change. There may be an increase in height and weight, and the hips may get wider. There may also be an increase in fat in the buttocks, legs and stomach. These are normal changes that may happen during puberty.
• Body size will increase, with the feet, arms, legs and hands initially growing faster than the rest of the body. This may cause an adolescent girl to experience a time of feeling clumsy.
• As the hormones of puberty increase, adolescents may experience an increase in oily skin and sweating. This is a normal part of growing. It is important to wash daily, including the face. Acne may develop.
• Adolescent girls will also experience menstruation, or menstrual periods. Typically, one to two years after the first menstrual period the girl may start ovulating, that is, releasing an egg from the ovary. If the egg is fertilized with a sperm from a male, it could potentially grow into a baby inside the uterus. If the egg is not fertilized, the tissues inside the uterus are not needed and are shed through the vagina as fluid. The fluids are bloody and are usually released monthly. After a girl begins to menstruate, she is able to get pregnant.

What Does Normal Adolescent Mental Development Look Like?

The teenage years bring many changes, not only physically, but also mentally and socially. Children in these years are more able to think abstractly and eventually make plans and set long-term goals. Each child may progress at different rates and show a different view of the world. Below are some of the mental and social changes you may see in your teenager:

• Developing the ability to think abstractly; this includes the ability to understand that current actions could influence the future
• Concerns with philosophy, politics and social issues
• Thinking long-term
• Setting goals
• Comparing oneself to one's peers

Some adolescents may experience signs of maturity sooner or later than others. It is important to remember that these changes happen at different times for everyone. Body changes and mental changes may not happen at the same time.

How are Relationships With Others Affected During Puberty?

As your adolescent begins to struggle for independence and control, many changes may happen. Below are some of the relationship changes that may happen with your adolescent during these years:

• Want independence from parents.
• Peer influence and acceptance is very important.
• Romantic relationships become very important.
• She may be in love.
• She may develop long-term commitments in relationships.