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(#1) The Hymen Becomes More Elastic
The hymen is a small piece of tissue that partly covers the opening of the vagina. During puberty, it becomes more elastic. Contrary to popular belief, the hymen is not supposed to break during sexual intercourse. When a woman becomes sexually aroused, the hymen stretches, and if it does tear, it heals quickly. -
(#2) The Clitoris Grows
You might think of the clitoris as the female version of the penis (or vice versa). Just like a boy's penis grows during puberty, girls' clitorises also grow. The change isn't as noticeable as it is with boys, but it's still significant. -
(#3) Menstruation Starts... And Might Stop
It is normal for a girl to get her first period, and then go six months without getting another one. It can take several years for her menstrual cycle to get on a consistent schedule. -
(#4) Different Races Start Puberty at Different Ages
On average, African American girls start puberty earliest, and Asian girls living in high-altitudes start the latest. Scientists do not believe these differences are due to genetics. Most likely, they are the result of differences in diet and average weight. -
(#5) One Side Might Grow Faster Than the Other
Girls not only develop breasts during puberty, they start growing pubic hair and armpit hair (contrary to what the media would have us think about females' hairlessness). It's not uncommon for one breast to grow faster than the other, or for more hair to grow under one arm than the other. Both sides should eventually even out. -
(#6) It Starts in Your Brain
When your body is ready to start puberty, your brain releases a chemical called gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH then acts on your pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland right between your eyes. The pituitary gland produces two hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which act on your sex organs. It's like a chain reaction of body changes!
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(#7) Girls Are Starting Puberty Earlier and Earlier
At the beginning of the 20th century, the average age of menarche (a girl's first period) in America was between 16 and 17. Today, it's between 12 and 13. This change has been attributed to a significant increase in the number of overweight children, as well as exposure to phthalates, or man-made chemicals found in plastic, which interfere with the endocrine system. -
(#8) The Shape and Color of Your Genitals Changes
When girls go through puberty, the inner lips of their vulvas often grow longer or change color. The features of vulvas vary from person to person, just like facial features, and that's completely normal. -
(#9) Girls and Boys Produce the Same Hormones
Even though girls and guys go through different changes during puberty, they have the same hormones going to work in their bodies. Everyone's brain produces GnRH, and everyone's pituitary produces FSH and LH. FSH and LH then stimulate the ovaries or testes to start producing estrogen and testosterone. Yes, that's right—guys and girls produce both hormones! Both are essential for puberty. The difference is that girls produce much more estrogen and much less testosterone. -
(#10) The Vagina Starts Cleaning Itself
During puberty, girls start seeing vaginal discharge - a white or clear mucus-like substance. This is a sign that the vagina is cleaning itself in order to prevent infections. It is similar to the way saliva cleanses your mouth. -
(#11) Puberty Can Go on for a While
A girl might start developing breasts when she's 12 years old, but then not get her first period until she's 15. Changes happen gradually rather than all at once, and young women might keep going through changes until their early 20s. -
(#12) Some Changes You Can't Even See
Unlike men, women's sex organs are located mostly inside their bodies, and those parts are changing during puberty too. The vagina gets longer, and the uterus and ovaries get bigger. -
(#13) Your Whole Body Grows
Obviously, if you're going to develop breasts and round hips, you're going to need to deposit fat in those areas. During puberty, girls gain weight and get taller. Girls usually reach their adult height a few years earlier than boys, that's why there are those awkward years when girls are taller than their male classmates.
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About This Tool
Adolescence is a critical period for the rapid growth and development of the human body, and it is also the second peak period of growth and development in life after infancy. Female puberty generally starts from 13 to 18 years old. The physiological characteristics of this period are the rapid development of the body and reproductive organs, the formation of secondary sexual characteristics, and the beginning of menstruation.
The body changes greatly and the weight also increases during puberty. Many girls are anxious due to physical changes, it is very necessary to learn more about the correct physiological knowledge. The random tool explained 13 important things about female puberty you should know.
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