Puberty is a time of rapid physical development, where your teen's body becomes able to reproduce. For both boys and girls, there are somewhat predictable patterns of development. For young women, though, the outward appearance of puberty can vary from girl to girl. And then there is the first period. Sometimes a teen girl's development is completely normal, but sometimes it isn't. After reading about the stages of puberty in girls and about menstruation, you are ready for the rest of the sometimes crazy world of female puberty.
Help! My 7-year-old has dark leg hair and underarm hair! Is she hitting puberty early? Maybe not. If your teen has dark hair, it might just be that the hair is starting to get even darker. African-American, Hispanic, Indian and even girls with a strong Italian ethnic background, among others, can sometimes have dark underarm hair or dark leg hair. If your child has dark leg and underarm hair and pubic hair or breast development – that may be a different story. Any female with pubic hair or breast development before the age of 8 may have precocious puberty, or puberty that is happening too early. If you are afraid that your daughter is coming in to puberty too early, contact your pediatrician or family care provider for an appointment to discuss your concerns.
I read the stages of puberty in girls. How does a girl's physical development relate to her period? Once a girl starts to develop breast “buds” (the earliest breast tissue that appears under the nipple), you can start waiting for a girl's period to begin. Menstruation usually begins two to two and a half years after the appearance of breasts.
My teen is concerned about something. She is getting body hair, even pubic hair, but no breast development yet. Is this normal? It can be. In 15% of girls, they develop pubic hair and there is no breast development. This is probably normal and not a cause for concern. If breasts don't start to develop in the next six months to a year, consult your pediatrician.
My 8-year-old has what looks like breasts. Isn't this too early? Just like the question about underarm hair and pubic hair, puberty that starts at 8 years of age or older is most likely normal. If your child is overweight, it may look like she is developing breasts. The breasts may not be made up of real breast tissue yet, but of adipose tissue (fat). If what looks like breasts begin to develop anytime from birth to the age of 7 or 8, contact your pediatrician. This can sometimes be a benign condition that does not indicate any serious hormonal issue. Other times, early breasts can indicate a significant problem. Only a healthcare provider can tell you for sure.
All of my teen's friends have gotten their periods but her. Is there something wrong? If your teen is 15 or younger, and has other signs of puberty (such as breast development and pubic hair), then she just may be a “late bloomer.” If she doesn't have the outward signs of puberty, or she is older than 15, it's important to ask the help of your pediatrician. Your teen will need blood work and other lab tests to make sure that she is developing on schedule.
Puberty is both an exciting and frightening time for teens and parents alike. So many things are changing so quickly, so don't be frustrated if it is confusing! For the vast majority of teen girls, puberty happens exactly as it is supposed to happen. If you or your teen ever feel as if something isn't right, ask your family healthcare provider.
Sources:
Behrman, RE, Kliegman, RM, and Jenson, HB. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 2004.
Neinstein, LS. Adolescent Health Care: A Practical Guide, 2002.
