Body Changes, Periods and Puberty: A Teen's Guide
Puberty brings many changes—physical, emotional, and social. While exciting, it can also feel confusing. This guide offers clear, supportive advice for teens and parents navigating this journey.
🧠 What Happens During Puberty?
Puberty is a natural developmental stage where the body matures to become capable of reproduction. It begins when the brain releases hormones (GnRH → LH, FSH), signalling the ovaries in girls and testes in boys to start producing sex hormones :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Girls usually start around ages 10‑11 and finish by 15‑17; boys begin at 11‑12 and finish by 16‑17 :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
✨ Body Changes in Girls
- Breast development (thelarche) is often the first sign around age 10½ :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Pubic and underarm hair appears after months, due to hormonal effects :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Growth spurt: Rapid increase in height and weight in early puberty :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Body shape and skin: Hips widen, body fat increases in a female pattern, skin oil and acne appear :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
🌸 Menstruation Explained
Most girls experience their first period (menarche) about two years after breast development, around 12–13 years old :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
Initial cycles may be irregular, with up to 80% being anovulatory in the first year :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
🩸 Common Period Symptoms & Tips
- Cramps & bloating: Heat pads, gentle exercise and hydration help.
- Mood swings: Hormones impact emotions; journaling and talking can support mental well‑being :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
- Hygiene: Use pads, tampons or cups—change every 4–6 hours; wash with mild, unscented soap.
🧩 Emotional Changes in Puberty
Hormonal shifts can bring moodiness, anxiety, self-consciousness, or independence. These experiences are normal :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
- Talk openly with trusted adults or friends.
- Stay active with sports or hobbies to boost mood.
- Maintain routines for sleep, relaxed meals and self-care.
✅ Everyday Self‑Care for Teens
- Balanced diet: Prioritise whole foods, iron-rich items (e.g. lentils), calcium, fruits and veggies.
- Hydration: Aim for approximately 2 L of water daily, especially during periods.
- Sleep: Teens need 8–10 hours—keep bedtime consistent.
- Exercise: Moved body supports emotional and physical balance.
- Skincare: Cleanse gently with non-comedogenic products to manage acne.
📚 FAQs for Teens & Parents
Q1: Why do teens grow at different rates?
Puberty timing depends on genetics, health, nutrition and environment :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
Q2: Is irregular period normal at first?
Yes—initial cycles are often irregular and settle over 1–2 years :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
Q3: How manage PMS or cramps?
Healthy habits—balanced diet, hydration, warm baths, exercise, and over‑the‑counter pain relievers—often help :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
Q4: When to seek medical advice?
If periods are very late, painful, heavy, or mood changes feel overwhelming, see a GP.
Q5: Can puberty cause spot breakouts?
Yes—hormone-driven oil increases can lead to acne. Gentle skin care routines are effective.