What puberty is and when it starts

Puberty is the time when your body changes from a child's body to an adult's. It doesn't happen in a day. It usually takes several years. Hormones start it all off. They are chemical messengers your body makes itself. Your brain sends a signal, and your ovaries begin making more of a hormone called oestrogen.

For girls, puberty most often starts somewhere between 8 and 13. You might begin earlier or later than your friend, and it isn't a race. In the same class, some girls will be changing already and others won't be yet. Both are normal.

For many girls the changes come in roughly this order, although yours may differ:

• Breasts start to grow, which is often the first sign.
• Hair appears under the arms and low on the belly.
• You grow taller quite quickly and your hips get wider.
• Skin gets oilier, spots may appear, and sweat starts to smell different.
• You notice vaginal discharge.
• Your first period comes, usually about two years or a little more after your breasts start to grow.

Along with all this, your mood may go up and down more often. The same hormones are behind that, and it settles with time.

Your body is slowly getting ready to be an adult body. Nothing changes overnight, so you have time to get used to it. If questions come up, you can ask your mum, an older sister or a doctor.