PUBERTY
Puberty is when changes in your body start to happen.
This usually happens between ages 9 to 14.
Boobs - Pubes - Grow - Flow
Changes in your chest such as breast growth usually happen first. You may feel self-conscious but it’s a normal part of growing up. Talk to your parent or someone you trust.
This is followed by pubic hair, which means hair in your underarms or around your vulva, the front area covered by your underwear. It is normal to start noticing discharge on your underwear.
You will start a growth spurt and grow taller, but especially faster following the changes above.
FInally, you may see some blood and experience your first period. This may be light, heavy, red, brown, and may or may not have any pain. Watch Jensplaining Episode 1 on Menstruation via CBC GEM.
It takes about 2 years from the time breast changes and body odour begin, to the first period (menarche). It is normal for your periods to be irregular in flow and timing for the first 2-3 years after your first period. Your body and its hormones (messengers in your blood that go between your brain, ovaries, and uterus) need time to mature. If periods continue to be extremely heavy, it is important to see a doctor to check for a bleeding disorder.
If you want to use tampons but have tried and continue to have troubles with tampon insertion or removal, your doctor or adolescent gynecologist can help figure out if there is a variation in your anatomy. Septate hymen, often related to tampon removal issues, for example, are common and can be easily and comfortably repaired in the office.
Rarely, there can also be anatomy variations of the uterus. These mullerian anomalies usually have no impact on puberty, menstruation or fertility, but may have some considerations in pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy counselling is helpful later.
I’m 13 and I haven’t seen any of the puberty changes above. What should I do?
If you haven’t had any breast or hair changes by 13, or haven’t had a period by 15, set up a visit to your doctor. They will ask your medical history and family history (when did you mom/sisters get their periods?). Are you having any abdominal pain? They may arrange some additional tests. More info is linked on absent or infrequent periods.
My daughter has a developmental disability. I am worried how she/we will cope when she gets her period.
It is a common feeling for caregivers to be worried about the onset of periods in a child who has intellectual or physical disabilities. Depending on their disability, many girls and parents cope well with education and support. Talk with your doctor. There are also medications that can help manage periods if they become problematic.
Where can I get more info that is reliable?
Check out the Resources page.
