Puberty: When breasts begin to grow. Premature puberty in girls

The period of puberty in girls is quite long - about ten years. It is characterized by the presence of several stages in the development of a girl’s puberty.

The onset of puberty occurs at the age of eight to nine years, which is characterized by accelerated growth in girls.

The appearance of further signs of puberty - enlargement of the mammary glands, growth of pubic hair - begins at approximately ten to twelve years of age.

On average, two years after the above external transformations, the first menstruation appears.

The final stage of puberty in girls is considered to be the age that occurs four to six years after the onset of the first menstrual bleeding. Typically, this occurs between the ages of seventeen and eighteen.

However, there are groups of girls who, due to their developmental characteristics, may begin puberty at the age of nine years. This means not only the accelerated growth of the body and its limbs, but the formation of secondary sexual characteristics - the development of mammary glands and so on. It happens that absolutely healthy girls begin to enter puberty at the age of seven or eight years, which is associated with the genetic characteristics of their development.

Also, the onset of puberty in some categories of girls may be delayed until thirteen to fifteen years of age. At the same time, girls are healthy and developing normally, and such delays in maturation are caused by hereditary factors.

Onset of puberty in girls

The onset of puberty occurs at the age of eight to nine years. This stage is characterized by a strong jump in the growth of girls, which can reach about ten centimeters per year. It happens that girls at this time are ahead of their male peers in height.

During this period of puberty, the skeletal system, muscular system and nerve endings grow at different rates. Therefore, outwardly, girls who have entered puberty may appear clumsy and awkward, somewhat angular.

Often, such changes in the figure cause girls suffering and fear that they will remain forever like funny grasshoppers. Parents need to reassure girls by telling them that their figures will soon undergo positive transformations.

Later, around the age of eleven to thirteen, secondary sexual characteristics begin to change rapidly - the mammary glands grow, the waist decreases, body shapes become rounded, and so on.

Age of puberty in girls

The age of puberty in girls is as follows:

The onset of puberty occurs around eleven to thirteen years of age.
The end of puberty occurs at the age of seventeen to eighteen years.

There are several categories of teenagers who do not mature at the same rate. Some girls begin to enter puberty earlier and, accordingly, end puberty earlier. Such teenagers are called accelerators. In them, the onset of puberty in the form of enlarged mammary glands is observed at the age of nine – ten to eleven years. And the growth spurt occurs approximately a year before. Accordingly, the appearance of the first menstruation in the above girls occurs at ten to eleven years.

In another category of adolescents, the onset of puberty is delayed until thirteen - fourteen - fifteen years. This manifests itself in growth retardation and the formation of secondary sexual characteristics. The first menstruation appears in these categories of girls at thirteen, fourteen or fifteen years. Accordingly, puberty ends at a later age, at eighteen years. Such teenagers are called retardants, that is, they are slow in their development, which is absolutely normal and genetically determined.

However, certain developmental anomalies and hormonal disorders occur in girls, which cause delayed puberty and the appearance of menstruation. Therefore, if there are no signs of puberty at fourteen to fifteen years of age and menstruation has not begun by the age of fifteen, it is recommended to show the girl to a gynecologist and endocrinologist.

Signs of puberty in girls

Signs of puberty in girls include the following:

A sharp growth spurt - a girl can grow up to ten centimeters per year. At the same time, girls grow faster than their male peers. Differences in height are equalized at the age of seventeen to eighteen years, that is, by the end of puberty in girls. At this time, girls stop growing, while boys continue to grow.
Changes in the figure of a teenage girl in the initial stage of puberty - an increase in the length of the limbs compared to the length of the body. Because of this, there is a change in the proportions of the body, which leads to a visual impression of its awkwardness.
Subsequently, secondary female sexual characteristics begin to form. First of all, the mammary glands begin to enlarge. Then, after some time, smooth pubic hair appears on the pubic area. After a short time, pubic hair begins to change in structure - it becomes wavy. The next changes in the girl’s body concern the appearance of axillary hair.
The labia minora and labia majora increase in size.
Soon the first menstruation occurs - menarche.
Changes in the girl's appearance continue - the volume of her hips increases, her waist becomes thinner, her shoulders narrower, and her figure acquires rounded, smooth outlines characteristic of the female body.
The amount of hair on the girl’s arms and legs increases, and they become darker.
Hormonal changes occur in the girl’s body, as a result of which the appearance of her skin and hair changes. The activation of the sebaceous glands located in the skin begins. Therefore, the skin and hair take on an oilier appearance; The girl's face, neck and back begin to become covered with red pimples and blackheads.
The overall percentage of body fat in a girl increases, and fat deposits are noticed mainly in the pelvic area, on the abdomen and thighs.

Stages of puberty in girls

The stages of puberty in girls are correlated with the appearance of each sign of puberty.

A sharp jump in growth - in a normally developing girl, this increase in height occurs at approximately eleven years of age. If before this period, at approximately seven to eight years old, girls gain in height by five to six centimeters per year, then entering the age of puberty is marked by a growth of eight to ten centimeters per year. At this time, the child grows out of recently purchased clothes and shoes so quickly that it surprises not only his parents, but also the girl herself.

At this time, the annual weight gain reaches four to nine kilograms, although before this period the usual weight gain averaged two and a half to three and a half kilograms.

An increase in growth affects the child’s appetite and the amount of food eaten, because such transformations require an increased flow of energy and building materials.

Such changes can appear earlier, at about nine years of age in girls who develop earlier than their peers.
Subsequently, the size of the pelvis and hips increases, which refers to the formation of secondary sexual characteristics. It happens that such changes occur at the age of nine years.
Further changes in the girl’s body are manifested in the enlargement of the mammary glands. First of all, the nipple and areola around the nipple are enlarged. After six months to a year, the mammary glands become like small cones. At this time, it is not recommended to use a bra, which can stop the formation of mammary glands.
Approximately, around the beginning of the first menstruation, the entire mammary gland increases in size and becomes round in shape, like the mammary glands of adult women. This usually occurs during the first period. It is at this time that it is worth putting on the first bras, which will facilitate the girl’s movement.
At the age of twelve to thirteen, the formation of secondary sexual characteristics continues: hair grows in the pubic area and a waist is formed, characteristic of the structure of the female body. Primary sexual characteristics also develop - an increase in the external genitalia (labia minora and majora) occurs.
Various skin changes occur due to the activation of sebum secretion. Such “innovations” are due to the process of hormonal and physical changes in the girl’s body. An increase in the amount of sebum provokes the appearance of red pimples on the girl’s skin and blackheads, and also causes increased oiliness in the hair.

Such changes do not at all please older girls, who are very worried about the deterioration in appearance that has occurred. Parents need to consult with hairdressers and cosmetologists about purchasing special shampoos and cosmetics for the skin, with the help of which they can maintain good condition of the skin of the body and hair, as well as maintain the external attractiveness of the girl. It would be a good idea to undergo special skin cleansing cosmetic procedures in a cosmetologist’s office. In addition, an older girl must be taught the rules of careful personal hygiene so as not to provoke deterioration of the condition of her skin and hair.

The appearance of the first menstruation, called menarche. This fact means that the girl is already sexually mature, that is, capable of reproductive function. At first - for two years - the menstrual cycle is most often unsteady. This is manifested in an unknown rhythm of bleeding, as well as in its strength and duration. After menstruation becomes cyclical, we can say that the girl is ready to conceive and give birth to a child (but only from a physiological point of view, and not psychological and social).

As noted above, in the first two years, menstruation in girls has an undefined cycle, that is, deviations of a different nature appear. These features are not a violation of the girl’s normal development, but are considered fluctuations that do not go beyond the normal physiological stages of puberty. First of all, this concerns irregularities in the regularity of the menstrual cycle, which has two phases. During the period when menstrual bleeding has just begun, the primary eggs may not mature to the end, and therefore the separation of mature eggs from the ovaries does not occur. In this case, the formation of the corpus luteum either does not occur at all, or is underdeveloped, which does not stimulate the production of increased levels of progesterone in the girl’s blood.

The first phase of the menstrual cycle leads to increased growth of the uterine mucosa (endometrium), which occurs under the influence of estrogens. This provokes the appearance of uncomfortable and prolonged uterine bleeding, called juvenile. Approximately five to ten percent of girls experience similar manifestations.

Sometimes, periods may not occur every month, but at intervals of two to three months. Other disturbances in the cyclicity of menstruation may also occur, but such deviations, as already mentioned, disappear after a couple of years.

It is very important to prepare the girl for periodic bleeding before her period appears. It is necessary to tell the girl about hormonal changes in her body, that her body is already ready for reproductive functions. Such a conversation can be conducted by the girl’s mother and/or gynecologist. It is worth preparing the girl to accept the fact that menstruation is a common occurrence in a woman’s life. But if the bleeding is accompanied by pain and other unpleasant sensations that can disturb the girl and cause her inconvenience, you should definitely consult with a gynecologist.

It is also necessary to have a conversation with the girl about the dangers of early sexual activity and possible pregnancy in this case, which leads to tragic consequences at this age.

Since the onset of menstruation, a girl’s height does not increase at an accelerated pace. At this age, on average, by the age of thirteen, the growth rate is reduced to one and a half to two and a half centimeters per year.
At the age of fourteen to sixteen, a girl’s figure begins to take on feminine contours - in addition to the already grown breasts and thinning waist, the hips begin to round, the pelvis begins to grow, the shape of the legs changes, and so on. Hair appears in the armpit area. Menstruation becomes rhythmic. The development of the skeletal system and bone growth stops.

To maintain a girl's hygiene, it is necessary to teach her how to use a razor for women to shave hair in the armpit area. Pubic hair should not be removed, since at this age it is not at all necessary.

Early puberty in girls

Early sexual development is considered to be the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics and the appearance of menstruation (in some cases) in girls around ten years of age. Such manifestations in development, which are slightly ahead of the norm, are not considered a deviation or violation. Therefore, we can say that for some girls a slight advance in development is a variant of the norm. Such developmental features are observed in accelerated girls, who differ from their peers in early physical, sexual, psychological and emotional development.

Early puberty in girls should not worry parents. But in these cases, it is recommended to conduct special conversations that can explain to the girl the changes in her own body and teach her personal hygiene skills.

Premature puberty in girls

Precocious puberty is characterized by the appearance of a full set of secondary sexual characteristics (or some of them) in girls under eight years of age. Sometimes at this age the appearance of menarche - the first menstruation - is observed. There are several forms of premature puberty in girls:

True premature sexual development. This form of premature development is considered cerebral, that is, arising due to processes occurring in the brain. The early onset of puberty is caused by the early onset of activity of the hypothalamus or adenohypophysis, which are responsible for reproductive functions. The activity of these glands stimulates the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Activation of LH leads to the production of estrogen in the girl’s body, which leads to changes in her body due to puberty. The activity of FSH leads to the onset of growth and maturation of follicles in the ovaries.

True premature puberty has a number of features:

isosexual in nature, that is, correlated with the female sex genetically and by gonadal characteristics;
complete in its manifestations, that is, it is characterized by the presence of thelarche (growth of the mammary glands), adrenarche (appearance of pubic and axillary hair) and an acceleration in the rate of body growth.
completed, that is, characterized by the premature appearance of menarche.

The causes of the cerebral form of true precocious puberty can be infections that were suffered by a girl under the age of one year. Such manifestations are also caused by organic damage to the brain, which puts pressure on the hypothalamus, as well as certain problems that arose during maternal pregnancy.

There is not only a cerebral form of true precocious puberty, but also a constitutional form. The latter form of deviation in puberty is more rare and is hereditary.

False precocious puberty

This type of premature maturation occurs due to the increased secretion of estrogens in the adrenal glands or ovaries. The use of drugs containing estrogens or gonadotropic hormones in the treatment of girls also provokes the appearance of false puberty.

The false type of premature development is characterized, like the true one, by the accelerated rate of growth of the girl. But false development is always incomplete, which is manifested in the absence of premature menarche. Also, false development can occur in both isosexual and heterosexual types.

Characteristics of the false isosexual type of development (female type):

fast growth rate;
mammary glands enlarge;
hair growth occurs in the pubis, groin areas and armpits.

Characteristics of the false heterosexual type of development (male type):

up to the age of eight, the clitoris enlarges, which begins to resemble the shape of a penis;
hair shafts appear in the area of the upper lip and chin;
bones grow faster than in girls developing according to the isosexual type;
the fat layer is distributed according to the male type.

It should be noted that the heterosexual type of development is quite rare and is caused by hormonal disorders in the body of girls who were administered androgen hormone drugs. If a timely visit to specialists occurs, deviations in the girl’s development can be reversed into a feminine direction. The use of the correct treatment method, which is carried out over a long period of time, can completely restore the correct sexual development of the girl. The mammary glands will form in due time, the menstrual cycle will be established on time. In the future, the reproductive functions of the cured girl will be preserved, she will be able to conceive and bear a child well, and also give birth normally. If treatment is neglected, then female-type development in such girls will not occur at all.

Incomplete precocious sexual development

This type of premature puberty is caused by the appearance of an excess of gonadotropic hormones in the girl’s body. A strong increase in estrogen can also lead to similar deviations in sexual development.

Characteristics of incomplete precocious puberty:

not accompanied by accelerated growth rates;
only the mammary glands are formed, without the appearance of other secondary sexual characteristics;
Only hair growth appears in the groin, pubis and armpits without the formation of other secondary sexual characteristics.

Diseases of various types that provoke the appearance of premature sexual development. Such diseases include:

the occurrence of follicular ovarian cysts,
presence of ovarian tumors,
the appearance of primary hypothyroidism,
McCune-Albright syndrome,
Russell-Silver syndrome.

Such diseases are characterized by the appearance of bloody discharge that resembles menstrual bleeding. But secondary sexual characteristics do not develop.

Movies about girls' puberty

It is recommended to watch films about girls’ puberty together with their mother or another adult woman who can explain to the girl any incomprehensible or confusing moments. Parents are recommended to watch the film themselves before watching it together with their child to make sure it is beneficial and does not contain footage or information that, in the opinion of mom or dad, is premature for their daughter. You should start watching such films at the age when the first signs of puberty appear in a girl, as well as when she develops an interest in such issues.

Films about girls' puberty are represented by the following documentaries and cartoons:

A film about the formation and protection of the reproductive functions of girls “When a girl grows up...”, which won the main prize in the “Applied Animation” category at the Open Suzdal Festival in the city of Suzdal in 2003. The film was created with the support of the Russian Ministry of Health and the pharmaceutical company Gedeon-Richter.
Documentary "Girl Power" from the Discovery Channel.
Documentary film produced in Great Britain in 1998 “The Human Body. Puberty."
Documentary film created in 2008, “About Sex - Puberty.”

Girls grow up quickly. Along with this process, changes occur at the physiological level, sexual characteristics appear, including hairiness in certain places. Do we find out when girls start growing pubic hair?

You can call it differently, with all sorts of scientific words, or you can call it simply: everyone has a pussy and hair grows on it. There is no need to be shy, because we are all ordinary people and natural processes in the body do not bypass anyone.

Formation of pubic hair in girls starts at 10-11 years old . Gynecologists call this process the mysterious word pubarche. Most people do not remember this word, because it is not useful in life, so do not focus on it. The main thing is that the hair growth process starts by age 10 (the first hair may appear even a little earlier) and ends by age 15-16 .

Please note that the girl’s hair should look like a triangle pointing downwards. If there are deviations from this form, for example, the form is observed rhombus, then parents are advised to take the girl to the doctor endocrinologist. This is a sign of hormonal imbalance.

Prevent early shaving of the intimate area

If you have a girl at home, then you should hide your shaving accessories. A girl may see her mother or father’s razors and begin to shave her intimate area with them herself, which will disrupt the normal process of hair formation. In the future, this will lead to, frankly speaking, a very ugly appearance of the intimate area.

How to explain to a child why hair begins to grow in the intimate area

Create an atmosphere in the family so that the girl does not hesitate to talk about her physiological changes with her mother. Discuss all issues with her, always find time for them. Don’t brush it off and explain what certain changes mean and that you shouldn’t be afraid of them. This is very important from a psychological point of view.

There is no need to be intrusive, there is no need to constantly ask and discuss this topic with your child. You can sometimes peek or ask if that’s not your custom. It is even better to tell the child by the age when the hair should appear that something will soon appear there and so that he is not afraid.

It is quite difficult at first glance to justify the need for pubic hair. In fact, there, in this area, there is a zone of increased secretion pheromones. And so that they actively evaporate, nature has provided an increase in the evaporation surface area: thanks to hair, pheromones evaporate not only from the skin, but also from the hair. This is how the opposite sex can feel their partner. But for a child this is all too complicated and unnecessary, we can simply say that this is a necessary stage of growing up, a sign of adulthood, and he will have several such signs, this is just one of them.

How do you know if puberty has already begun in your body? When does it start and what are its symptoms? What to expect from your first period? In this article you will find out the answers to all your questions.

Signs of Puberty

One of the first signs of puberty is a sudden change in height. If earlier you gained an average of 2 centimeters per year, then during puberty you can grow by 10 cm in a year! At the same time, girls grow much faster than their peers boys. This difference in height evens out at the age of 17-18 years. Just when girls end puberty.

Then the proportions of your body begin to change: the length of the limbs increases compared to the length of the body. Because of this, there is a change in body proportions, which can visually make you awkward. Don't worry, this happens to everyone.

The growth of your body triggers the appearance of one of the most unpleasant signs of puberty - acne. This happens because the skin is greatly stretched due to the enlargement of bones during growth. To avoid cracks, the body activates the sebaceous glands. As a result of their work, hair and skin become oilier. Thus, excess activity of the sebaceous glands leads to acne.

Then secondary female sexual characteristics begin to form in your body. First of all, your breasts get bigger. At the same time, hair begins to appear in the groin and armpit areas.

The amount of hair on your arms and legs will gradually begin to increase, and they will become darker.

The culmination of puberty in girls is the first menstruation. It is also called by the beautiful word menarche.

The changes in your appearance will not end there! The figure will begin to acquire rounded shapes, which are characteristic of the female body.

In addition to external changes, your body undergoes hormonal changes. The activation of the sebaceous glands begins, which, as you already know, leads to the appearance of acne.

When does puberty begin?

Puberty can begin at 7 years old, or maybe only at 13. But the usual time for it is 10 years old. This process may take 1.5–4 years. Typically, the first period occurs two to three years after a girl begins to develop breasts. You must understand that puberty for each girl is a very individual process! Some girls are almost fully formed by the age of 12 or 13, while others enter this process much later.

The sooner you start puberty, the sooner it will end. That is, if at the age of 9 you already showed signs of puberty, then after a year and a half you can wait for your first menstruation, and if these signs are noted at the age of 12-13, then two to two and a half years may pass before your first menstruation.

Phases of Puberty

Puberty is divided into two phases:

Presexual phase (occurs at the age of 8-9 years and lasts about 5 years); This phase begins when secondary sexual characteristics appear, active development of the body and rapid growth occur. The presexual phase ends with the appearance of the first menstruation.

Puberty phase (starts at 13-14 and lasts until 18 years). After the first menstruation, growth slows down. This phase ends with the completion of sexual development, when your body is completely ready to conceive and bear a child.

Factors influencing the onset of puberty

Heredity: Ask your mother or other relative when she first started menstruating. Most likely, you should expect them at the same age.

Nationality: Girls of different nationalities may experience puberty at different times. This is due to genetically stored information.

Weight: If you're thin, your period may start a little later than your overweight friend. And your normal menstrual cycle may vary too.

Psycho-emotional environment: if the conditions in your family are unfavorable and you are under constant stress, there may be a failure in the nervous regulation of maturation processes and menstruation will come later.

Having chronic illnesses: If you are in poor health and have chronic illnesses, maturation may start later and take longer than others.

First menstruation

A few days before your first period, you may experience new and slightly uncomfortable sensations that are associated with premenstrual syndrome. Yes, yes, this is the same PMS. Its main symptoms are:

Increased appetite

Pain in the abdomen and lower back

Breast enlargement

Mood swings

Tearfulness

Irritability.

Apathy and weakness

As a rule, the first periods are light. In general, it could be a few spots on your underwear that you won’t immediately notice. But don't be surprised if you have a lot of discharge right away. You can't guess who will be lucky here. But, in any case, it is the discharge of blood that is the main sign of the first menstruation.

Learn how to use a period calendar.

On average, menstruation lasts 5 days. But a period of 3 to 8 days is absolutely normal. So if your period only lasts 3 days, that's completely normal. Moreover, you can be envied. If your period does not stop for more than 8 days, be sure to consult with gynecologist .

If you're worried that your period might start at any moment, carry a pad in your purse just in case. Even if this happens to you during class, you will be ready. And this is very calming. If your period takes you by surprise, don't be shy about asking another girl for a pad. This is absolutely normal, female solidarity.

Don't forget that puberty is a very individual process. It goes differently for everyone. So don’t worry if your girlfriends have already started their periods and you’re still waiting. For complete peace of mind, you can consult a gynecologist.

The time has finally come when you are faced with a wonderful, albeit difficult age.

If you are a mother, then it is difficult for you to realize that your baby is getting older and now the thoughts in her head can suddenly become multi-colored butterflies or glossy black. At this age, my mother’s girl tries to defend her character, thinking that she can handle everything herself.

Meanwhile, she does not have time to keep track of the changes in her body, which undoubtedly worry her. And you, as the closest person, have been entrusted with the responsibility to tell, help, and direct in the right direction all the energy that is overwhelming your child.

If you are a young girl, you have already had many questions regarding everything related to the adult life of a woman. But these questions could have been put off earlier, since it was far away, maybe not very interesting, and in no way connected with the life when you were a carefree girl.

Sex education for girls is a complex and time-consuming process that must be approached with caution. Not only mom, but also dad should take part in the process.

Let's start with the changes in the girl. Precisely in a girl, because perestroika does not begin when secondary sexual characteristics appear, but much earlier. On average, puberty lasts 10 - 12 years. During this time, the girl changes noticeably before the eyes of others.

Prepuberty is a period that begins at 7–8 years of age and ends with the arrival of the first menstruation. Usually this (menstruation) happens 1 to 3 years after the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics. Already from such an early age, you can notice changes in the child’s body. Hormones begin their activity, although not cyclically. But hormone releases occur constantly. In this connection, the transformation of a girl into a girl occurs.

Signs of puberty in girls

The first changes take place in the girl’s body - the hips are rounded, the growth of the pelvic bones begins. Mammary glands appear. You can already notice areas of hair growth on the pubis and armpits.

As a rule, a girl begins to grow sharply before the onset of menstruation.

All these signs may develop inconsistently. Now let’s look at each sign and the pathologies associated with it. There are several stages in the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

A few years before the onset of the first menstruation, a girl’s growth begins to grow sharply. Presumably, this happens 2 - 3 years before the onset of menstruation.

At this time, growth spurts can reach up to 10 centimeters per year.

Often during this period the child is awkward, since the bones do not grow evenly; first the hands and feet become larger, then the tubular bones and only then the torso.

Clumsiness in movements may also be observed, this is due to the fact that nerve fibers and muscles do not always keep pace with the growth of skeletal bones.

Skin

The skin develops according to the skeleton and muscles, for this purpose the secretion of the glands is increased in order to have good stretching, as a result of which it suffers from rashes, which in science are called “acne”, “acne” or pimples. Hair also becomes oilier at the roots, so now you need to wash your hair more often.

Subcutaneous fatty tissue also develops. There is increased deposition of fat in the hips and abdomen. The shoulders are also rounded and the waist appears.

Thelarche is the development of the mammary gland. Typically, breast growth begins in girls at 10 - 11 years old, 1.5 - 2 years before the onset of menstruation. According to WHO, the appearance of signs of breast growth after 8 years is considered normal. The nipples become sensitive and can change color, depending on the amount of pigment in the body.

There is also an increase in the size of the nipple itself. Hair growth is possible around the areola of the nipple - this happens in women of Eastern and Caucasian origin and is not a pathology. The color, shape, and size of the breast depend on genetic factors and the amount of subcutaneous adipose tissue.

There are several degrees of breast development:

Ma0— the gland is not developed, the nipple is not pigmented;
Ma1- gland tissue is palpated in the area of the areola, painful;
Ma2— the mammary gland is enlarged, the nipple and areola are raised;
Ma3- the mammary gland takes the shape of a cone whose base is located between the III and VI ribs. The nipple does not stand out separately from the areola;
Ma4- the gland has a hemispherical shape, the nipple is separated from the areola and is pigmented.

The mammary gland completes its development and grows to its maximum only after childbirth and breastfeeding. And the final stage of mammary gland development is observed at about 15 years. The mammary gland itself may be painful during the growth period and before menstruation.

Hair growth

Pubarche - hair growth of the pubic area - begins at 10 - 12 years of age. Growing pubic hair forms a triangle, the base of which is located on the lower line of the abdomen. There may be isolated hairs rising towards the navel. But if the hair densely covers the entire area, forming a diamond, you should contact a gynecologist-endocrinologist.

By the age of 13-15, hair appears in the armpits and on the legs. The hardness, color and shape of hair is individual and depends on genetic predisposition.

Armpit hair:

Ah0- no hair growth;
Ah1- hair growth with single straight hairs;
Ah2- the appearance of hair in the middle of the armpit;
Ah3- hair growth of the entire axillary area.

Pubic hair growth:

Pb0- no hair growth;
Pb1- hair growth with single straight hairs;
Pb2- appearance of hair in the center;
Pb3- hair growth of the entire pubic area along a horizontal line.

You need to learn how to properly maintain the smoothness of your legs, bikini area and armpits. Each girl chooses an individual method for achieving her goal. But do not rush into removal, because the first hair is softer, thinner and less noticeable. Over time or under the influence of external factors, they become tough.

- the beginning of menstrual flow, the first menstruation. This happens to everyone at different ages, and menarche also depends on genetics. As a rule, the first bleeding occurs from 12 to 14 years. After the start of the first menstruation, the girl's growth slows down, but other signs of puberty continue to develop.

Many girls' periods are not cyclical at the very beginning. For some, it takes some time - from six months to two years. In case of non-cyclical discharge, you should consult a doctor in the future.

During menstruation, the mammary glands may be tense and somewhat painful. Also, many girls and women experience aching pain in the lower abdomen before and during bleeding, and some experience discomfort in the stomach or intestines. All this can accompany mensis (menstruation) normally.

Before the critical days, the mood may change; more often the girl feels irritated, overwhelmed, and tearful. But all this passes during the first days of menstruation. Despite the irregularity of the cycle, a girl can become pregnant, and it is important to convey this to an immature person.

Deviations from the norm

As everyone knows, where there is a norm, there is also a pathology. Today, cases such as premature puberty in girls (PPD) are increasingly observed. And here it is important that the mother carefully approaches changes in the child’s body.

They speak of PPD if the girl herself is under 8 years of age at the onset of her first sexual characteristics. At this age, a child cannot always adequately approach the innovations of his body.

Types of PPR

Precocious puberty in girls is divided into into several types.

1. True type. It occurs when the functioning of the endocrine glands - the hypothalamus and pituitary gland - is disrupted, which, in turn, stimulate the functioning of the ovaries.

full form. When all secondary signs begin to develop before the age of 7–8 years, growth slows down due to the closure of growth zones in the bones, menstrual flow appears;
incomplete form. Here secondary signs appear, but the periods themselves come much later - at 10 - 11 years.

2. False type. It is characterized by a disorder in the ovary itself - erratic production of hormones occurs, and therefore the order of appearance of secondary sexual characteristics in the child is disrupted. And there is irregular spotting, which can begin without the full development and formation of the mammary gland or hair growth.

3. Hereditary type. As a rule, if a girl has women in her pedigree (especially if it is her mother) whose maturation began earlier than the designated dates, then the child himself will turn into a girl earlier than his peers. In this case, the order of appearance of sexual characteristics will not be disrupted.

Causes of PPR

Causes of early puberty in girls may be:

brain cysts;
previous bacterial or viral infection;
cerebral circulatory disorders;
congenital anomalies (hydroencephaly);
exposure (high exposure to radiation);
poisoning by poisons (lead);
consequences of brain injuries.

If you notice any changes in your princess that can be attributed to PPR, or there is a growth spurt before the age of 7, it is better to contact a gynecologist, endocrinologist and undergo an examination. Early sexual development is a process that requires mandatory supervision by a specialist.

Delayed puberty

Another problem for mothers and their girls is delayed pubertal development in girls (DSD).

Signs of delay:

absence of onset of menstruation before age 16;
lack of sufficient growth of the mammary glands before the age of 13;
scanty hair growth by the age of 14;
insufficient growth or abnormal development of the genital organs;
lack of correspondence of height and weight to age.

Also, delayed development of maturity is a condition when a girl’s sexual development is only half complete. That is, the mammary glands have developed, there is partial hair growth, and then everything slowed down for more than a year and a half.

Causes of mental retardation

Congenital disorders of the brain.
Brain cysts and tumors.
Poisoning by poisons.
Heredity.
Exposure of the body to radiation or radiation therapy.
Removal of ovaries.
Strong physical activity.
Severe stress or malnutrition (exhaustion).
Complications after bacterial or viral infections, etc.

If you are concerned about your girl’s health, consult a doctor, he will conduct an examination and be able to make the correct diagnosis. It is easier and more effective to treat any condition of the body at the very beginning, when the pathology has not caused irreversible consequences. Everything needs to be done on time!

Another important moment in a girl’s development is growing up and becoming a girl, a woman from the inside.

Sexual development of girls should be given special attention from birth. Even from the cradle, a girl should feel like an important link in creating family comfort, since the atmosphere in the family mainly depends on her. In addition, the girl will face pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for a newborn in the future.

The child must prepare for the upcoming difficulties, and this is not bad when little girls push their dolls in strollers and already begin to experience maternal feelings and a sense of responsibility. When a girl tries to be like her mother and knows what awaits her, she enjoys all the changes and is not afraid to move forward.

If a girl is not talked to about the topic of transforming a girl into a girl, and then into a woman, all changes in her body are unpleasant for her, and the onset of menstruation generally frightens her. You need to explain everything to your princess as she grows into adulthood, step by step. It is important that next to the girl there is an older comrade in the person of a mother, friend, aunt, etc.

During adolescence, it is sometimes very difficult for teenagers to understand themselves, their mood can change dramatically, and the feeling of irritability and tearfulness does not allow them to calmly perceive changes. You should never ridicule or reproach a child during this period.

With the onset of adolescence, or rather, with its end, it is time to discuss the sexual side of her life with the girl. The girl’s behavior changes - she often looks at the opposite sex, experiences attractions, and is overcome by erotic fantasies. A teenager must understand everything and learn not to be ashamed of it. Sex education for girls is an important task that falls on parents.

In addition to the perception itself, it is necessary to convey to your child information about the possibility of becoming pregnant and contracting infections through sexual contact. You should also tell her about the negative effects of early sexual debut. Teenagers at this age often experiment, including in this area, and violent actions are possible.

Teach your child the rules of personal hygiene, purity of sexual relations and their protection, tell them about the frequency of showering during menstruation - all this is the task of a good parent. Having matured, the child encounters new conditions of his body. For example, thrush occurs - a fairly common disease that needs to be cured in time.

Often a teenager, feeling his imperfection, withdraws into himself and suffers for a long time from symptoms that can bring severe discomfort. It is worth paying attention to the appearance of acne, it is important to tell your child how to deal with them correctly, because we all know the tendency of children to squeeze everything out. This can lead to unpleasant consequences: scarring of the skin, blood poisoning.

Sex education is often the subject of much debate. But there are certain rules that are best adhered to - they will allow you to transition into puberty as smoothly as possible and preserve the girl’s health.

It is worth paying attention to the nutrition of a teenager; girls themselves often skip meals on purpose in order, as they think, to be more beautiful. A girl should eat well to avoid delays in the development of sexual characteristics and the onset of menstruation.

Under no circumstances should you treat a teenager like an adult. A person in adolescence already knows a lot, has his own point of view, but he is just starting on the path of growing up; your advice is important to him, although sometimes he does not show it. Control is never superfluous.

Masturbation is very important in the development of sexuality. There is nothing unhealthy or shameful about this behavior. This is how the child learns to relieve stress by fantasizing, imagining imaginary actions. Contrary to the thoughts imposed by the Bible and Soviet education about masturbation as something dirty and unacceptable for a self-respecting woman, today its benefits have been proven, of course, if you don’t “go too far.”

As a conclusion

The main goals of parents, especially mothers, during puberty, are:

teach the girl to accept herself as she is;
convey all knowledge regarding sexual techniques, contraception and methods of protection against sexually transmitted infections;
show all the beauty of a woman, mother, wife;
determine the boundaries of decent behavior with the opposite sex;
teach how to cope with some ailments associated with premenstrual syndrome, thrush, etc.;
surround your child with love and care, especially when he needs it.

Of course, just like a child, you also grow up. Do not forget that the child has never been an adult, and you, adults, have already experienced all the hardships of this difficult period. How your child perceives everything depends largely on you.

Why are many of your daughter’s age already interested in the opposite sex, wear “adult” underwear, are concerned about their appearance, but your girl still plays with dolls? The reason lies in the puberty of girls, the timing of which is purely individual.

Irritability, touchiness, frequent mood swings, isolation are temporary difficulties that every teenage girl has to go through. Some parents believe that girls' puberty and adolescence occur simultaneously, around the age of 11-13 years. In fact, a girl begins to turn into a girl starting from the age of 8-9. By the age of 17, a girl’s puberty stage is usually completed.

Puberty of girls. How does this manifest itself?

“You have a girl,” the midwife delivering the baby said joyfully. It is thanks to the primary sexual characteristics - external as well as internal genital organs - that the gender of the child can be determined. Subsequently, the manifestation of secondary sexual characteristics, which directly depend on the predominance of certain hormones, indicates the onset of puberty in the girl.

Puberty in girls: rapid growth.

A sure sign of the initial stage of puberty in a girl is rapid growth. To the surprise of parents, a daughter can gain up to 10 cm in height in a year, surpassing her peers, whose sexual development begins several years later.

Due to the rapid and disproportionate growth of bones and lagging muscles in development, the girl’s figure has angular outlines, her arms and legs appear thin and long, and her face appears elongated. Nerve endings and blood vessels lag behind the growth of bones, as a result of which the teenage girl is clumsy like a “bull in a china shop.”

In addition to intensive skeletal growth, puberty in girls is characterized by increased activity of the sebaceous glands. In this situation, the sebaceous glands perform a protective function, preventing damage, stretching and drying out of the skin. Since the sebaceous glands are “involved” in work throughout the body, the hair on the head and facial skin become oilier, causing the girl a lot of inconvenience. In the absence of proper skin care, acne appears - a faithful companion of teenagers.

IMPORTANT! External changes that occur during a girl’s sexual development can cause shyness, mistrust, and complexes. During this period, it is important to explain to a teenage girl the significance of her transformation. Ignoring the fact that your daughter is growing up is stupid, especially when she needs parental support.

Puberty of girls: enlargement of the mammary glands.

At puberty in a girl, the beginning of the development of the mammary glands, or “thelarche” in other words, occurs in parallel with the acceleration of growth. Breast enlargement in a young girl begins with the areola and nipple area, after which the entire gland begins to develop. Breast growth continues until the age of 16. The final size of the breast is determined only after breastfeeding ends.

The presence of several dark hairs on a girl’s chest is considered normal. The presence of a large amount of hair on the mammary glands is a sign of hormonal disorders and requires contacting a gynecologist-endocrinologist.

IMPORTANT! The color of the peripapillary area (halos) and nipple varies from light pink to deep brown, and depends solely on the level of pigment - melanin. The color of the nipple does not in any way affect the sensitivity or function of the mammary gland.

Puberty of girls: pubarche.

At the age of 10-11 years, the first coarse hairs appear in the pubic area. In girls, hair in this area grows in the shape of an inverted triangle, without creeping onto the inner surface of the thigh. With an excess of male sex hormones, hair grows not only on the pubis, but also on the hips and lower abdomen, which is the reason for consultation with a gynecologist-endocrinologist. Pubic hair growth during puberty in girls is called pubarche.

Puberty of girls: first menstruation (menarche).

An integral part of a girl's puberty is the first menstruation, which occurs on average at the age of 11-15 years. For Eastern and African peoples, menarche at the age of 10-12 years is also considered the norm. Within a year after the first menstruation, the ovulatory cycle is restored, becoming regular.

Important conditions for the onset of the first menstruation are normal body weight (at least 50 kg), as well as a sufficient mass of adipose tissue (35% or more), which is a depot of estrogens - female sex hormones.

IMPORTANT! The appearance of the first menstruation before the age of 11 indicates a girl’s premature sexual development. Late first menstruation (after 16 years) is a sign of delayed sexual development.

Rounded hips, enlarged mammary glands, pubic hair, fat deposits in the abdomen, waist and buttocks, the onset of the first menstruation - all this indicates the beginning of the female body’s preparation for bearing a fetus. Do not forget that the first menstruation is not an indicator of puberty, but only indicates the possibility of pregnancy.

The influence of obesity on the sexual development of adolescent girls.

Puberty in girls has its own peculiarities, in particular those related to fat metabolism in the body. Puberty in girls is characterized by a slowdown in the growth of muscle tissue and the deposition of muscle tissue in these areas as compensation. For example, if the abdominal muscles of girls are as developed as those of boys, bearing a child will become impossible, since the tension of the abdominal muscles will prevent the growth of the uterus.

Puberty in girls is often accompanied by an increase in appetite, which leads to weight gain. A sedentary lifestyle, the predominance of carbohydrate foods in the diet, and overeating can lead to the development of nutritional obesity, which, in turn, disrupts hormonal levels.

According to research conducted by experts from the United States, obesity is one of the main causes of premature puberty in girls. Obesity promotes the production of female reproductive organs, which accelerate the process of puberty in girls. With regard to the problem of excess weight among boys, the situation is exactly the opposite. Obesity slows down the sexual and physical development of boys, disrupting the production of androgens - male sex hormones.

Towards the end of the girl's puberty, puberty begins, which is characterized by sexual activity due to increased sexual desire. Dramatic changes in a girl’s body should prompt her parents to hold an appropriate conversation about the beginning of sexual activity. By imposing a ban on the topic of intimate relationships, you can achieve only one thing - mistrust on the part of a teenage girl. It’s better to talk to your daughter about an exciting topic, warning her about the possible adverse consequences of early sexual relations. Sooner or later, what parents are so afraid of will happen, and it is better if the young girl is armed with the necessary knowledge about protection from unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

The process of puberty is influenced by many factors. Early and increased hair growth in girls is not the norm and indicates serious disorders of the endocrine system.

What hormone affects hair growth?

During development in adolescents, the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics is observed: pubic hair growth in girls, development of hair in the armpits, development of mammary glands, and the presence of menstruation. In boys, pubic hair growth, prominence of the thyroid cartilage and changes in voice timbre. Hair growth in the armpits of boys is also noticeable.

The sex hormone testosterone stimulates hair growth. The formation of hair growth in boys is controlled by androgens produced in the testicles. Hair growth in girls is controlled by androgens produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries.

In girls, the role of androgens is not so great. The influence of androgens on a girl’s body manifests itself in pathological conditions - with excessive production of androgens. Increased levels of hormones cause excess hair growth. Low levels of the hormone lead to a prolongation of puberty and, accordingly, delayed hair growth in adolescents.

Hair growth in girls

In girls, hair growth is formed according to the female type: moderate hair growth in the armpit area, and on the pubis - in the form of a triangle. The hair on the limbs is inconspicuous and not coarse.

Pubic hair growth in girls is completed by the age of 16, going through several stages. Hair color and curl depend on genetic characteristics. At the age of 13, armpit hair appears.

Rice. Hair growth in girls (photos of types of pubic hair growth in girls)

Early hair growth in girls

In girls, puberty is considered premature before the age of 8 years. A cause for concern is swelling of the mammary gland and pigmentation of the nipple. The girl should be under the supervision of an endocrinologist, since this may be followed by an increase in the level of sex hormones and early hair growth in girls.

Precocious sexual development is associated with activation of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. This leads to increased secretion of gonadotropins, which stimulate ovarian activity. Such conditions often develop with diseases and tumors of the central nervous system.

With tumors of the adrenal glands, early hair growth is also observed in girls. These are quite serious symptoms, which, among other things, can be considered a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Increased hair growth in girls

Endocrine system disorders (hyperandrogenism) causes increased hair growth in girls in the pubic and axillary areas, so you need to consult an endocrinologist to identify the causes of this condition. Increased hair growth in girls is associated with Cushing's syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome, adrenal hyperplasia or tumor.

Rice. Hair growth in girls (photo of increased hair growth due to adrenal hyperplasia)

Increased hair growth is often accompanied by increased oily skin and the appearance of acne. Only a specialist after an examination can recommend androgen antagonist drugs that will reduce hair growth in girls.

Hyperandrogenism not only causes increased hair growth in girls, but is also accompanied by a number of complications in the woman in the future: menstrual irregularities, miscarriage, infertility, breast cancer.

Hair growth in boys

An important sign of puberty is pubic hair growth. Pubic hair first grows according to the female pattern, and hair growth begins at 12-13 years of age. Adolescent hair growth in boys aged 13-14 years is also characterized by the appearance of a delicate fluff above the upper lip. At the age of 14, hair in the armpits becomes noticeable. Complete hair growth in the cavities occurs by the age of 17. At the same time, facial hair appears: the fluff above the lip turns into a mustache, then a beard begins to grow. By the age of 16-17, male-type pubic hair growth ends and hair growth is noted throughout the body. Hair growth in boys has a direct connection with testosterone production.

Obstetrician-gynecologist

The sexual development of girls is a very difficult and delicate issue, which should be discussed with the child with extreme caution. Today we will talk about how to do this correctly, without abstruse phrases and unwanted silences.

The time has finally come when you are faced with a wonderful, albeit difficult age.

If you are a young girl, you have already had many questions regarding everything related to the adult life of a woman. But these questions could have been put off earlier, since it was far away, maybe not very interesting, in no way connected with that life when you were a carefree girl.

Sex education for girls is a complex and time-consuming process that must be approached with caution. Not only mom, but also dad should take part in the process.

Let's start with the changes in the girl. Precisely in a girl, because perestroika does not begin when secondary sexual characteristics appear, but much earlier. On average, puberty lasts 10-12 years. During this time, the girl changes noticeably before the eyes of others.

Prepuberty is a period that begins at 7-8 years of age and ends with the arrival of the first menstruation. Usually this (menstruation) happens 1-3 years after the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics. Already from such an early age, you can notice changes in the child’s body. Hormones begin their activity, although not cyclically. But hormone releases occur constantly. In this connection, the transformation of a girl into a girl occurs.

Signs of puberty in girls

As a rule, a girl begins to grow sharply before the onset of menstruation.

All these signs may develop inconsistently. Now let’s look at each sign and the pathologies associated with it. There are several stages in the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

A few years before the onset of the first menstruation, a girl’s growth begins to grow sharply. Presumably, this happens 2-3 years before the onset of menstruation.

At this time, growth spurts can reach up to 10 centimeters per year.

Often during this period the child is awkward, since the bones do not grow evenly; first the hands and feet become larger, then the tubular bones and only then the torso.

Clumsiness in movements may also be observed, this is due to the fact that nerve fibers and muscles do not always keep pace with the growth of skeletal bones.

Skin

The skin develops according to the skeleton and muscles, for this purpose the secretion of the glands is increased in order to have good stretching, as a result of which the teenager suffers from rashes, which in science are called “acne”, “acne” or pimples. Hair also becomes oilier at the roots, so now you need to wash your hair more often.

Subcutaneous fatty tissue also develops. There is increased deposition of fat in the hips and abdomen. The shoulders are also rounded and the waist appears.

Telarche - development of the mammary gland. Typically, breast growth begins in girls at 10-11 years old, 1.5-2 years before the onset of menstruation. According to WHO, the appearance of signs of breast growth after 8 years is considered normal. The nipples become sensitive and can change color, depending on the amount of pigment in the body.

There are several degrees of breast development.

Ma0- the gland is not developed, the nipple is not pigmented.
Ma1- gland tissue is palpated in the area of the areola and is painful.
Ma2- the mammary gland is enlarged, the nipple and areola are raised.
Ma3- the mammary gland takes the shape of a cone whose base is located between the III and VI ribs. The nipple does not stand out separately from the areola.
Ma4- the gland has a hemispherical shape, the nipple is separated from the areola and is pigmented.

Hair growth

Pubarche - hair growth of the pubic area - begins at 10-12 years of age. Growing pubic hair forms a triangle, the base of which is located on the lower line of the abdomen. There may be isolated hairs rising towards the navel. But if the hair densely covers the entire area, forming a diamond, you should contact a gynecologist-endocrinologist.

By the age of 13-15, hair appears in the armpits and on the legs. The hardness, color and shape of hair is individual and depends on genetic predisposition.

Armpit hair:

Ah0- no hair growth.
Ah1- hair growth with single straight hairs.
Ah2- the appearance of hair in the middle of the armpit.
Ah3- hair growth throughout the axillary area.

Pubic hair growth:

Pb0- no hair growth.
Pb1- hair growth with single straight hairs.
Pb2- the appearance of hair in the center.
Pb3- hair growth of the entire pubic area along a horizontal line.

Menarche - the beginning of menstrual flow, the first menstruation. This happens to everyone at different ages, and menarche also depends on genetics. As a rule, the first bleeding occurs from 12 to 14 years. After the start of the first menstruation, the girl's growth slows down, but other signs of puberty continue to develop.

Many girls' periods are not cyclical at the very beginning. For some, it takes some time - from six months to two years. In case of non-cyclical discharge, you should consult a doctor in the future.

Deviations from the norm

They speak of PPD if the girl herself is under 8 years of age at the onset of her first sexual characteristics. At this age, a child cannot always adequately approach the innovations of his body.

Types of PPR

Precocious puberty in girls is divided into into several types.

1. True type. It occurs when the functioning of the endocrine glands - the hypothalamus and pituitary gland - is disrupted, which, in turn, stimulate the functioning of the ovaries.

Full form. When all secondary signs begin to develop before the age of 7-8 years, growth slows down due to the closure of growth zones in the bones, and menstrual flow appears.
Incomplete form. Here secondary signs appear, but the periods themselves come much later - at 10-11 years.

2. False type. It is characterized by a disorder in the ovary itself - the random production of sex hormones occurs, and therefore the order of appearance of secondary sexual characteristics in the child is disrupted. And there is irregular spotting, which can begin without the full development and formation of the mammary gland or hair growth.

Causes of PPR

Causes of early puberty in girls may be:

brain cysts;
previous bacterial or viral infection;
cerebral circulatory disorders;
congenital anomalies (hydroencephaly);
exposure (high exposure to radiation);
poisoning by poisons (lead);
consequences of brain injuries.

Delayed puberty

Another problem for mothers and their girls is delayed pubertal development in girls (DSD).

Signs of delay:

absence of onset of menstruation before age 16;
lack of sufficient growth of the mammary glands before the age of 13;
scanty hair growth by the age of 14;
insufficient growth or abnormal development of the genital organs;
lack of correspondence of height and weight to age.

Causes of mental retardation

Congenital disorders of the brain.
Brain cysts and tumors.
Poisoning by poisons.
Heredity.
Exposure of the body to radiation or radiation therapy.
Removal of ovaries.
Strong physical activity.
Severe stress or malnutrition (exhaustion).
Complications after bacterial or viral infections, etc.

Another important moment in a girl’s development is growing up and becoming a girl, a woman from the inside.

As a conclusion

The main goals of parents, especially mothers, during puberty, are:

teach the girl to accept herself as she is;
convey all knowledge regarding the technique of sexual relations, contraception and methods of protection against sexually transmitted infections;
show all the beauty of a woman, mother, wife;
determine the boundaries of decent behavior with the opposite sex;
teach how to cope with some ailments associated with premenstrual syndrome, thrush, etc.;
surround your child with love and care, especially when he needs it.

We know a lot about babies, we argue about diapers, swaddling and vaccinations, but our daughters are growing up, the period of puberty begins, when a young maiden blossoms from an angular girl in one year. What kind of puberty is this, what is its peculiarity in girls and what do mothers need to remember and know about?

Puberty is a complex of physical changes in a girl’s body combined with psychological changes; they occur gradually and are manifested by the beginning of menstruation. Typically, this event occurs between the ages of 12 and 14 years, but can occur somewhat earlier or later, with an average range of 10 to 15 years. Each girl has her own menstrual cycle, the duration of menstruation will be from 3-4 to 7 days, in the first year menstruation will be irregular and there is no need to be afraid of this.

What will menstruation depend on?
The reproductive function of a girl will depend on the girl’s health and her compliance with personal hygiene rules. In healthy and seasoned girls who play sports, periods usually pass easily. But weakened, overtired or frequently ill girls may experience malaise, pain in the lower abdomen, headaches and aching in the lower back during menstruation. A healthy girl may also have slight weakness, but this usually does not interfere with her normal lifestyle, she just needs to slow down the pace of training and activities.

Girls can lead a normal life during their periods; they are not contraindicated from going to school or doing physical education; they only need to stop jumping, carrying heavy objects, or cycling. During menstruation, you should eat less salt and hot spices; they can increase the flow of blood during menstruation. Teach your daughter to keep a menstruation calendar, it will be calmer for both you and her - remember, sexual activity begins in teenagers without asking our permission, and if you have periods, pregnancy is always possible. While, unfortunately, her mother will have to think for the girl, the girls have wind in their heads. In a calendar, let him mark the start and end date of menstruation, its duration and abundance, this will also help to note health problems if they arise. Regular menstruation indicates puberty - that is, the ability to conceive a child, but this is far from the maturation of a girl as a person.

About the menstrual cycle.
Tell the girl about the menstrual cycle - this knowledge will help her be more careful in matters of her health and possible children. Menstruation is the beginning of the menstrual cycle, and not its end, as many people think. The cycle is calculated from the beginning of one menstruation to the beginning of the next. They follow each other continuously due to the cyclical nature of hormonal processes in the body, regulated by the girl’s maturing brain. On average, the cycle can be from 22 to 24 days, less often longer. Menstruation itself lasts 3-7 days. The entire cycle can be divided into several phases during which special changes in the body occur.

First period or menstrual bleeding– this is the first day of the cycle, during which the endometrium and its vessels are rejected, coming out with bloody discharge. This is a mixture of blood, mucus and mucous membrane cells; in one cycle, up to 30-100 ml of blood is lost, but if it is much more, immediately go with your daughter to the doctor. The first days of menstruation are more abundant, in the subsequent days they are scanty.

Second phase– this is follicular, during this period, under the influence of hormones, one follicle begins to mature in each cycle in one of the ovaries. Under the influence of estrogen, the inner layer of the uterus begins to grow, the follicle reaches 20-25 mm. Follicles are taken from ready-made buds; by the time a girl is born, there are about 400 thousand of them in the ovaries; about 500 will mature during her life.

Third phase- this is ovulation, it is at this time that the egg is released and it is during this time that women become pregnant. It is important to know this so that the girl understands the essence of protection against premature pregnancy. During ovulation, the follicle bursts and the egg enters the fallopian tube and moves along it. In the fourth stage, the egg moves through the tube, and if there is no pregnancy, the endometrium thickens and loosens, and the egg dies. A decrease in hormone levels and again a transition to the first stage of the cycle - endometrial rejection. If a girl becomes pregnant, her menstruation will stop - the absence of menstruation is the first sign of pregnancy, although they may be absent for other reasons.

What does menstruation depend on?
The correctness and regularity of a girl’s cycle depends on her sexual and hormonal health. The main gland in menstruation is the hypothalamus; after an equal amount of time it will send a command to the pituitary gland to release hormones that affect the ovaries and the entire reproductive system of the girl. The ovary, in response to these signals, produces estrogens and progesterone, which will allow the follicle to mature and prepare for a purely theoretical conception. If a malfunction occurs at any of the links in this chain, this leads to disruption in the development of menstrual function and requires the participation of a doctor. For the first two years, irregular menstruation is allowed, but by the age of 16-18, all menstrual functions should be clearly established, the cycle should become regular and not cause much discomfort. If this does not happen, this is a reason to contact a teenage gynecologist.

Teenage girls today have poor nutrition, often girls 15-18 years old are either obese or excessively thin, many live in constant stress from exams, unrequited love or family problems, all this unbalances hormones and the nervous system. These factors are inextricably linked with sexual function and its development.

Normal ovarian function is possible at a certain weight - this is usually when a girl reaches a weight of 43-47 kg; in girls who are on a diet or are exhausted, menstruation often disappears or occurs much later. Very low weight women are infertile due to their weight alone. Even if a girl had a normal weight and she loses more than 10-15%, this can lead to amenorrhea. This happens due to disturbances in the functioning of the pituitary gland, and then it is difficult to recover - so, if you want to become grandmothers, watch your daughter’s diet! But without diligence, the opposite state is no less dangerous. Fat chicks begin to menstruate earlier than usual, forming puberty earlier. This is due to an increase in estrogen due to the deposition of excess fat, which leads to earlier maturity.

Not only the quantity, but also the quality of food is important - alcohol, fatty, salty and spicy foods with excess meat lead to earlier ripening. If a girl, in pursuit of fashion, limits herself to some elements of nutrition or goes on a diet, this will affect her sexual functions, and sometimes this can be irreversible. Deficiency of vitamin A, zinc and iodine is especially dangerous; this is the exclusion of meat, fish and eggs from the diet.

Other factors.
There are also external factors that influence the onset of puberty - climate and geography of residence. Girls from mountainous latitudes and southern women menstruate earlier, but girls from lowland latitudes and northern regions menstruate later. On average, the timing of the arrival of menstruation varies by no more than 6-12 months. The timing of the onset of menstruation also depends on the social wealth in the family and the quality of life; in stable times and good families, puberty in girls occurs a little earlier.

Physical activity will also influence the onset of menstruation; girls in adolescence do not have very pronounced physical strength and endurance. Professional sport is a difficult test for them - it greatly affects the health of the sexual sphere and general health. Stress in sports or ballet inhibits the development of the sexual sphere and is combined with delays in growth and development in general. Look at the gymnasts and acrobats - they are all small and childish at 16-17 years old. In addition, female athletes during puberty may show signs of androgenization - the voice becomes rougher, the secretion of sebum increases, and menstruation is disrupted. This depends on strength training and muscle development - this happens among swimmers and rowers; half of the female athletes with medals have very serious problems as women. Therefore, think about what is more important to you: your daughter’s sporting achievements and medals, or the presence of grandchildren in the family.

Another significant problem is bad habits among girls. Our subculture and teenage parties instill in them the wrong styles of behavior - they try smoking as early as 12-14 years old, try alcohol secretly from their mothers, and even begin sexual activity long before adulthood. This leads to negative consequences - not only does health suffer in general, but the formation of menstrual function is also disrupted. Such girls with bad habits are more likely to develop acne and a pale complexion, and their voice becomes rougher - this is due to androgen hormones. They also affect the menstrual cycle - it becomes irregular and painful.

And bad habits also damage eggs so much that many years later, when a girl, having played enough, stops drinking and smoking, she will have a high probability of giving birth to a sick baby from an egg damaged by nicotine and alcohol.

Naturally, adolescence is a difficult test for a girl, but she has a main assistant - her mother. Dear mothers, help your daughter succeed as a woman, and in a few years she will help you succeed as a grandmother!

It seems like just yesterday your baby was trying to hold her head up, smile, crawl, talk, walk…. And today you notice strange changes in her. What's happening to her? Don't be alarmed by the changes taking place - your baby has most likely smoothly entered puberty in girls. And it doesn’t matter that she may be only 8 years old and still just a child. Already now she is actively preparing to become a woman, a mother. And right now you, parents, must help your daughter get through a difficult period in her life. And for this, you need to have an idea of what puberty in a girl means and how it occurs normally.

How does puberty differ between girls and boys?

Puberty of girls and boys is completely different; they are completely different processes. Puberty begins at different times, is perceived by children in completely different ways, and proceeds differently. For example, earlier puberty in girls is a fairly common occurrence, while in boys it is rather an exception to the rule. However, the premature puberty of girls should not be a cause for concern for parents at all - this is normal.

Puberty in girls and boys generally takes about five years. The timing of the onset of puberty, as already mentioned, is very individual and may well fluctuate greatly, both in one direction and the other. In cases where parents notice significant fluctuations - puberty in girls or boys is too early, or, conversely, too much delay - it makes sense to consult a pediatrician. The doctor is able to assess the most adequate state of the physical development of your son or daughter, and refer you for additional examinations, if necessary, in order to reliably determine the reasons for the deviation of the child’s sexual development from the norm.

However, serious hormonal problems are very rare. Almost always, the cause of such temporary deviations is a hereditary trait. The fact is that if at one time at least one parent also had some deviations in either direction, this increases by 50% the possibility of the same deviations in the child. This is especially evident in relation to the growth of children - if both parents are short, one should not expect the teenager to experience an intense growth spurt.

Modern medicine has established some frameworks within which the start of puberty should fit, both girls and boys. Puberty begins earlier for girls at the age of 8, and only at the age of 10 for boys; the deadline for puberty to begin for a girl is 12 years old, for a boy - 14 years old. If parents have any doubts about the sexual development of the child, they should seek advice from a pediatrician or endocrinologist. And remember: under no circumstances should you express your doubts or fears in the presence of your son or daughter - you risk causing the child quite serious psychological trauma, which you will have to struggle with for a long time in the future. Do not forget that the adolescent psyche is a delicate “instrument”, very, very vulnerable.

Actually, this is all that puberty has in common between girls and boys. Everything else is a complete difference that parents should be aware of.

Sex education for girls

The first thing I would like to say is that sex education for girls should begin at a very young age, literally from birth. After all, instilling hygiene in a child is also sex education for girls. Each parent probably wants their daughter to grow up to be a soft, sensitive, caring woman who loves her children. This is what sex education for girls is all about at an early age.

You shouldn’t be a prude with your child, tell “fairy tales” about gender differences in childhood, and talk nonsense about storks and cabbages when answering the question “Where do children come from?” The main thing that is required from parents in the event of “uncomfortable” questions or situations is natural behavior, a willingness to answer everything comprehensively, and the ability to explain everything without fear or shame. Regardless of the child’s age, whether he is four, seven or fifteen years old, your answers must be truthful in content, objective and scientific. Be truthful with your child, but age appropriate, and answer clearly, concisely and to the point.

A child’s assimilation of his own gender role, his character, and the development of his sexuality largely depend on the family, which is able to harmoniously combine the social and biological principles of the future woman’s personality.

If you treated the issues of sex education responsibly from the very beginning, then during puberty in girls you will not have any special problems; this difficult time will pass for your child and for you without any psychological trauma or misunderstandings in relationships. You can read more about what sex education for girls is in the article: “Sex education for children. Principles of sex education for boys and girls.”

Puberty in girls

Puberty of a girl is a very intensive growth of the child, which lasts approximately two years, and precedes the onset of puberty of the girl. A girl's puberty begins with her first menstruation.

As already mentioned, it is impossible to name the exact age when puberty begins in girls. The average age at which girls begin sex education is approximately 11 years old, therefore, the first menstrual cycle should occur around 13 years old, that is, puberty will occur in two years. However, in recent decades, there has been a trend of “rejuvenation” of puberty - earlier puberty in girls increasingly begins at the age of 8-9 years. It happens, especially if the mother’s puberty was late, a girl’s puberty can begin at the age of 13, and the first menstruation, accordingly, at the age of 15.

There are cases, occasionally, but still, that a girl’s puberty starts at the age of 7 or 15. In this case, parents have cause for concern; such deviations are pathological in nature and require special medical correction. If this occurs, premature or excessively early puberty in girls, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

When the deviations are not so drastic, they should not frighten parents. Minor deviations do not signal any hormonal disruptions in the child’s body or malfunctions of the hormonal glands. Most likely, this is just a hereditary predisposition. If you yourself don’t remember when your puberty began and how it went, ask your parents - they will probably be able to dispel your doubts. And, of course, under no circumstances should you give your child any hormonal drugs - this can simply cause irreparable harm to the girl’s health and even lead to infertility in the future. Such drugs should be prescribed exclusively by the attending physician.

Signs of puberty in girls

Height. Puberty in girls is accompanied by the following characteristic signs, each of which manifests itself in its own life period and begins with growth:

At 7-8 years of age, the baby grew approximately 7 centimeters over the course of a year.
By the age of 9, nature begins to sharply slow down the growth process, and it is only about two centimeters. This will continue throughout the tenth year of life - not exceeding 1 - 3 centimeters of increase in height per year.
During the 11th year, a powerful growth spurt usually occurs - over the next couple of years, the average increase in height per year will be about 10 centimeters. In addition, her weight will begin to grow rapidly - the usual 2 kilograms per year will be replaced by approximately 6 kilograms of weight gain. However, this will not be noticeable outwardly, except that the girl may simply develop a “brutal” appetite, due to the body’s need for a large amount of nutrients to ensure such a rapid growth spurt.

Mammary glands. A girl's puberty is accompanied by significant changes in her body. At its very beginning, an enlargement of the mammary glands is noted, which occurs as follows: the first changes concern the areola and nipple, which slightly enlarge and protrude forward. A little later, the mammary gland itself begins to change. During the first year after the onset of puberty in girls, the mammary gland takes on the shape of a cone. About a year before the first menstruation begins, the girl's breasts will take on a more familiar, rounded shape.

Hair growth and body changes. When a girl begins puberty, vegetation appears in the perineal area and armpits. The figure changes, acquiring more feminine outlines: gradually the girl’s hips begin to widen, and her waist becomes visible. In addition, during puberty, girls' hair and skin structure changes dramatically, which is affected by certain hormones.

First menstruation. Around the age of 13, a girl’s first menstruation occurs. However, the formation of the menstrual cycle is a very long process that can last up to one year. Before the menstrual cycle is established, menstruation may be extremely irregular and vary in length - but no more than 5 days of menstrual bleeding. Such irregularity is a completely normal phenomenon, which should not cause any concern for parents. When the first menstruation occurs, the girl’s growth seriously slows down; in general, she will subsequently gain no more than 5 centimeters in height.

The mother of a girl should pay especially close attention to menstruation. Regardless of how old a girl’s first menstruation began - at 11 or 15, this event always turns out to be stressful for her. One can only imagine how much stress it would be if the girl knew absolutely nothing about what was happening to her? As psychological practice shows, a girl may begin to panic, and she will not even tell her mother about what is happening to her and her body.

That is why the mother is absolutely obliged in a timely manner, before the first menstruation occurs, to prepare the girl psychologically for the upcoming physiological changes, teach her how to use the necessary hygiene items, and tell her the rules of behavior during menstruation. Of course, a girl can learn about everything from other sources, for example, from her friends. However, in this case, do not be surprised if she shares the news that she has become a girl, and other events in her life, with a friend, and not with you. Also, you should not react too violently to the onset of menstruation in a girl, and especially not publicly inform relatives and friends about it - this can seriously confuse the girl, provoke the appearance of complexes, and the fear of telling you something in the future.

Clumsiness. It is during a rapid growth spurt that the same “clumsiness” familiar to many appears in a teenage girl. Parents should not worry about this - such disproportion of the body is completely normal and does not indicate any pathology. The “ugly duckling” period will soon end irrevocably, and your little princess will turn into a real beauty. Be sure to talk to the girl about this, she also needs to understand this, explain what is causing this change, and that it will end soon.

Psychological difficulties during puberty in girls

During puberty in girls, the skeleton grows most intensively, but unevenly. The fact is that bones grow at different speeds, absolutely not synchronously - first the bones of the hands and feet grow, then the bones of the arms, and the skull of the face. And only at the very last stage does the body “catch up” with them. This explains the fact that teenage girls often have too long legs and arms, and a slightly elongated face. In addition to all this, the rate of muscle growth is often significantly lower than the rate of bone growth, as a result, a certain clumsiness and angularity of the teenager’s movements.

Signs of puberty are usually pronounced in girls, and if premature puberty occurs in girls, problems of a psychological nature occur. A girl may feel embarrassed by the changes taking place, especially if her peers have not yet begun to experience them. If this issue is quite painful for your daughter, try talking to the teacher, the class teacher, who will make sure that the girl does not become the subject of ridicule at school. It would not hurt to seek advice from a child psychologist; he will explain to the child in a tactful manner and with knowledge of the psychological characteristics of children and adolescents that all changes are absolutely natural and normal.

Remember : How a girl perceives the changes that occur in her body depends to a large extent on how good and close her relationship is with her mother. Try to communicate with your daughter as often and as much as possible, answer all her questions, even if they seem ridiculous and stupid. Believe me, your daughter’s trust will more than pay off, and it will be much easier for you to survive the difficult adolescence.

Equally, psychological problems can be associated with a girl’s late puberty. If she begins to understand that at the age of 13-14 she practically does not experience the same changes that her friends and classmates experience, then she may begin to experience discomfort and worry. A girl may begin to feel extremely awkward in the company of her peers, and develop a strong inferiority complex, feeling worse than everyone else.

In this situation, only constant confidential communication with the daughter can help; she needs to explain everything and periodically remind her that this is normal, and the girl’s puberty is simply inevitable. Mom can use herself as an example, even if she has to slightly embellish the reality. In especially difficult cases, if the daughter does not make contact and the mother cannot cope, we advise you to contact a child psychologist. Do not ignore the problem, because such psychological traumas are quite strong, and an acquired inferiority complex can poison a girl’s existence for the rest of her life.

The sexual development of girls may well have different variations, and not only with age. Sometimes the appearance of hair can vary significantly in its sequence. Usually, breast growth and development occurs first, then pubic hair appears, and armpit hair appears last. However, in some cases, hairs appear in the armpits first, but other signs are not yet noticeable. Sometimes hair appears on the genitals first, and then all other signs.

Also, doctors noticed one pattern - the earlier a girl’s puberty began, the faster it proceeds, and, conversely, the later a girl’s puberty began, the longer the process takes. For example, in a girl who started puberty at the age of 9, its duration is no more than one and a half years, while its onset in a 14-year-old girl will last about two and a half years.

Therefore, support your princess, be that as it may, because the most important period in her life is happening now. She is about to turn from a girl into a girl, and then into a woman, and soon she will take on your role - the role of a mother.