Girl Puberty

Menarche or The First Period

Let’s start with menarche, since this may be the first outward indication of your blossoming adulthood. Between the ages of 8 and 17, your body begins to go through puberty; the process by which the body prepares itself for offspring and adulthood. Some girls, because of an achiness in the lower abdomen, or because of a light stain on their underwear, may get a sense that menstruation is about to begin. Others can be taken completely by surprise. If you are in the latter group, know that you are not alone. Most girls are completely surprised.

Once menarche (the first period) begins, you may feel frightened, shocked and confused. On the other hand, you may feel a sense of happiness or awe. All of these feelings are perfectly normal. If you are at school when your period starts, ask to go to the nurse’s office or talk to the teacher. They will know what to do and will be able to help.

Physical Changes During Girl Puberty

Beginning your period is not the only sign of your growing maturity. The following chart helps explain other significant changes taking place in your body.

Brain or Cognitive Changes

Along with the physical changes of adolescence, we see substantial mental changes in the brain. Between the ages of 10-15 the brain develops the ability to think abstractly and reflectively (Where will my soul go when I die? Maybe I should have studied harder). Girls begin to develop the ability to understand metaphors (puberty is like watching a flower blossom) and abstract mathematical concepts (like algebra), as well as the ability to reason about ideals like justice, religion or love. Further, because of these new found reasoning skills, one is able to question rules and social conduct. You may wonder if it is fair to judge others based soley on apprearance or, if it may be better for teenagers to start the school day at a later time. This is the time when you begin to question the "status quo". Keep in mind that these new found cognitive skills take time to fully develop and that you will continue to think both abstractly and concretely for years to come.

Socio-Emotional Changes

During puberty, young adolescents learn new social skills and expand their social world. The goal is to develop and maintain close, supportive, personal relationships with others of the same age. Having a best friend, or a close knit social circle, is an important goal for young girls entering puberty. This is essential because it helps you develop into a well-adjusted, self-confident adult. You can enhance your social skills by becoming involved in groups, such as playing on the school soccer team, competing on a dance team or singing in the chorus.

In addition to having close relationships with peers, maintaining a close family relationships is also crucial, becauase it helps develop a healthy sense of self. While you may look to peers for guidance in dress, dating tips and entertainment, it is through close personal family relationships that you learn how to give and recieve affection, define your value system and sharpen your decision-making skills. These are essential components in the journey toward becoming a well-adjusted, competent adult.

Putting It All Together

Girl puberty consists of many changes, from the beginning of menarche to the rapid social and cognitive developments taking place in the brain. All of it can seem scary and feel very confusing. If it becomes too overwhelming, don’t hesitate speak with a parent or a trusted teacher, and try to keep in mind that it is because of these very changes that you will one day be a beautiful and competent young woman.