Stages of Puberty in Girls

Being aware of the stages of puberty in girls can help young girls know what to expect as their bodies begin to change from child to adult.

What Is Puberty

Puberty is the term used to describe the period of rapid growth and sexual development that completes a child's transition to adulthood. It's a time that can be a little scary, yet kind of exhilarating too. After all, these changes are a sign of growing up, and with maturity comes the opportunity to spread your wings and make more of your own decisions.

The onset of puberty begins when the brain begins to release two types of hormones that will affect various parts of the body. One type of these hormones, the lutenizing hormone or "LH" for short, causes body growth. The other type of hormone, follicle stimulating hormone or "FSH", affects the growth of hair follicles.

Tanner Stages of Puberty in Girls

Puberty affects boys and girls in slightly different ways. In girls, the increase in LH and FSH hormones in the bloodstream stimulates the ovaries and adrenal glands to produce even more hormones that affect development and maturity. The ovaries begin to grow and produce estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones will eventually regulate menstrual cycles.

Dr. James Mourilyan Tanner, a British pediatrician, studied the many body changes that occur during these years in a child's life and found they could be divided into various stages used to track progression through puberty. Today, the Tanner scale is widely referred to by pediatricians all over the world.

The table below provides a basic explanation of the five puberty stages most girls will pass through. Although basic age groups are provided, you should keep in mind that each girl is unique and may experience overlaps between the stages. This table is only meant to be a guideline.

Five Stages of Puberty in Girls

Stage	Age Group	Developmental Stage	Changes Typically Observed
One	8 to 11	Early adolescence	Hormone productions begins, but there is almost no outward sign. The ovaries begin to enlarge in preparation for hormone production.
Two	8 to 14	Early adolescence	A period of rapid growth begins that leads to an increase in height and weight. Breast buds begin to develop beneath the nipples. Traces of fine straight pubic hair begin to grow.
Three	10 to 15	Mid-adolescence	Breast development continues. Pubic hair begins to coarsen, darken and curl. Underarm hair also begins to appear. The production of normal vaginal discharge begins. Girls will likely experience their first menstrual cycle.
Four	10 to 16	Mid-adolescence	Areolas begin to become more defined and slightly darker in color. The breasts begin to take on more definition. Pubic hair takes on a triangular pattern and becomes more abundant. Ovulation begins, but menstrual cycles are still somewhat erratic.
Five	14 to 19	Late adolescence	Breasts are fully developed although they may increase in size in years to come. Pubic hair now extends completely over the vagina stretching to the inner thighs. Full adult height is reached. Menstrual cycles, including monthly ovulation, establish a regular pattern typically occurring every 28 days. Puberty is essentially completed.

Other Affects of Puberty

In addition to the basic stages of puberty listed above, girls will go through emotional changes as well. Hormones sometime produce mood swings that can vary in intensity. Feelings of depression and irritability alternate with periods of relative calm. It's not unusual for girls to feel a certain amount of stress over the rapid changes their bodies are undergoing, and this sometimes leads to periods of insecurity as well.

Girls also typically develop body odors during this time in their lives due to changes in the fatty acid composition of their sweat. An increase in oil production can also lead to the onset of acne and other skin changes.

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The period of puberty is unique for everyone, yet as you can see by the stages listed above, there are basic changes that all girls have in common. If you have more questions about puberty, don't be afraid to discuss them with your parents or your pediatrician. They are there to help you through this special time in your life.

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