Periods

The two sets of ‘lips’ which enclose the outer part (the vulva) will increase in size slightly and you’ll grow pubic hair on the larger ones. And inside your body, at the same time, the vagina will be lengthening and the uterus expanding.

To help moisten and cleanse itself, the vagina produces fluid called a discharge. If you notice this white or yellowish stain in your underwear it’s likely you’ll begin your periods in around 6 to 18 months. The discharge can be either heavy or barely noticeable; but beware if it has a bad smell or if you feel sore or itchy in the genital area. If this happens, it’s best to check with a doctor that you haven’t picked up some kind of infection.

Your period may be very unpredictable for the first two years while you settle into your cycle. So we’ve created the four-phase breakdown below to help you recognise what’s going on and when. Being clued-up on your cycle means you’ll be better prepared to deal with your period.

You’ll know when to carry tampons or pads and how to recognise and relieve period pain. It’s also essential you understand your cycle if you wish to use birth control or are planning to have a baby.

Phase 1 – Having your period (‘menstruation’).
Basically, your body is getting rid of tissue it doesn’t need. The lining of the womb breaks up and alongside body cells and mucus it passes slowly out the body through the vagina, causing you to bleed. You might feel like your flow is heavy but in reality the bleeding of an average period is only equivalent to 6-9 tablespoons. Your period may appear bright red or quite dark and might include some clumps or clots.

Phase 2 – Just after your period ends (‘pre-ovulation phase’).
Around the time your period ends, your body gets ready again for a potential pregnancy. Your ovaries prepare another egg and a hormone called oestrogen makes your womb rebuild its lining.

Phase 3 - Ovulation
Hormones prompt your ovaries to release an egg into the fallopian tubes. At the same time, because of hormone progesterone, your womb thickens its lining in preparation for the egg to be fertilised. Ovulation usually occurs 14 days before the start of your next period.

Phase 4 - Pre-menstrual (‘luteal’) phase.
If the egg is not fertilised, your womb gets ready to release its lining. Levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone drop and you enter a new menstrual cycle as the shedding of this lining begins.

Breasts

Growing breasts is one of the major signs of puberty in girls. First of all, you’ll develop ‘buds’ or swellings under your nipples. Your breasts will then become larger and fuller, taking up to four years before completely formed. The final size of your breasts will depend on the genes you’ve inherited from your family.

If you experience a little soreness as your breasts grow, don’t worry - it’s quite common! Some girls may also notice a slight difference in the size of left and right breasts but it’s really nothing to worry about - most women have one breast fractionally larger than the other.

Sweat and oil glands

To help regulate your body temperature, moisture is released through the skin in the form of sweat. During puberty, your sweat glands will become both larger and more active. This means you’ll sweat more in response to moments of stress, emotion and sexual excitement. But be warned - if sweat is allowed to build up on the skin, bacteria will go to work on it and produce loads of B.O.!

During puberty the pores of your skin will produce more oil - especially on your face. This can lead to blocked pores and acne; so you may need to wash your hair and face more often than before. You may also find you get more spots around the time of your period because your hormone levels will have increased.

Growth Spurt

During your teens you’ll grow faster than ever before. Not only will your hands and feet get bigger but your arm and leg bones will lengthen making you taller. You might bulk up a little to match your increase in bone size. Alternatively, you might feel or look like a beanpole for a while. But don’t worry, the rest of your body will soon catch up and keep you in proportion.

Hips and Thighs
The large bone across your hips called the pelvis will start to grow wider. Since this coincides with your breasts growing and your waist getting smaller you’ll find yourself becoming curvier. Some girls may gain a little weight at this stage but don’t worry, that’s just part of growing up.

Pubic Hair
Pubic hair will usually grow just after your breasts start developing - although in some girls it happens beforehand. Pubic hair is curly and runs from your lower stomach to between your legs. Normally soft and fine at first, it will thicken as you mature over the next year or two. Body hair will also grow under your armpits.