Puberty in girls is the transition stage from childhood to adulthood. The average age of puberty is usually between 8 and 13 years old, a little earlier than in boys. The word puberty comes from the Latin “pubere” which means “to cover oneself with hair”.

During puberty, a number of changes take place. Among them are:

• Hair growth
• Metabolic changes
• Hormonal changes

These changes are due to the maturation of the central nervous system and the disappearance of the frenulum inhibiting the anterior hypothalamus. Hormones (estrogen) are then released and create a multitude of changes in the young girl.

Physically, the hair growth on the labia majora and the mount of Venus, then gradually extends to the groin. Axillary hair (especially on the armpits) usually appears after pubic hair.

This development is often followed by that of the sebaceous glands which cause a secretion of sebum which causes acne.

The breasts begin to develop during this period but will not take their final (adult) shape until 18 or 19 years old. The young girl also sees her pelvis widen while a fatty tissue covers her hips and thighs.

Finally, her vulva changes a few years before her first period: the labia majora are more prominent, the labia minora and the clitoris are developing. The uterine body, on the other hand, enlarges until it reaches its adult size, about 4 to 5 years after the onset of the first period.

Note that each young girl follows her own development and that there is no set order. The growth, appearance of hairs, periods and breasts are random and depend on many parameters beyond the control of each.

Puberty is an upheaval for some young girls. Indeed, this transition period can prove to be difficult to manage because it is impossible to control. Not yet considered an adult, the adolescent must however detach herself from her status as a child. The pubescent girl observes her body and sees it change, modify itself, sometimes in a way different from what she had imagined. These changes are also compared with relatives and friends: “Why is my friend already wearing bras? “,” Why am I the first to have my period? “,” Will I still grow taller? “Or on the contrary” Why am I the tallest in the class? “, Etc.

Puberty is often an ungrateful age in which classmates readily lend themselves to teasing. Girls can then take these inappropriate jokes badly, withdraw into themselves or become aggressive.

Puberty is also a significant growth spurt. The young girl’s skeleton is growing and her physical appearance is changing. On the other hand, the sweat glands develop and the sweating becomes more important, giving way to a more or less strong and completely natural body odor.

The rules usually occur when the young girl reaches a weight of about 48 kilos, they are manifested by monthly bleeding which corresponds to the elimination of what could have served as a nest for the egg. The arrival of menstruation therefore indicates that the young woman is able to procreate if she wishes. In fact, her body will in principle produce an egg each month, until menopause.

It is important to anticipate puberty by talking with your child. Great upheavals await her and the young girl must be prepared for it. The important points that parents should emphasize are:

• The uniqueness of each individual (the young girl must be reassured before even comparing herself to her friends)
• The unconditional love they have for her, although she is no longer a child
• Their confidence
• Sexuality (protection against MST, contraception, etc.)

It is also important to respect the modesty of the young adolescent, both physically and intellectually. In fact, the appearance of body hair and other changes in the body often make young pubescent girls much more modest. In addition, they begin to experience their first romantic emotions and do not always want to share them with their parents. It is essential to respect the privacy of a young girl, except in cases of force majeure. Her secret garden will help her build herself and strengthen the feeling of trust with her parents.

Puberty can be quite a difficult time to manage for young girls and their parents. Nevertheless, good communication, care and mutual respect will be excellent tools to get through this essential stage in life.