Girls+physical+PDHS

__ Physical Changes in Girls __ **When does this happen? ** This can differ from girl to girl and no two girls experience the same things at the same time. Some girls begin to experience changes as early as age seven or eight. There are the beginnings of internal changes in the growth of organs and the introduction to some types of adult hormones. In most girls the time of minimal growth is between the ages of nine to ten. From the age of ten on, most girls will experience the sudden growth spurt that will last until the age of twelve. Most girls will continue to grow until the age of seventeen or eighteen. **Physical Changes ** The first sign of puberty is usually breast growth; it starts as a small round lump under one or both of the nipples. The lump might be tender and it will gradually grow; along with the dark area around the nipples. As the breasts continue to grow, it is not uncommon to have one side be larger than the other, then do even out before reaching their full size. This development usually begins between the ages of seven and thirteen. During this time, girls will see other changes in their bodies. They will begin to gain weight and grow taller. The way the body stores fat will also change, the hips, buttocks, and legs will get larger, while the waist seems to become smaller. The girls will experience hair growth in the pubic area, as well as on the legs and under the arms. The hair will become darker and coarser and grow in an inverted triangle. Glands in the skin will make more oil and sweat, body odor and acne can now be noticed more. In order to avoid acne, you should wash your face at least twice a day. Two years after the start of a girl’s breast development, they will mostly likely begin to have their menstrual cycle. On average, girls usually get their cycles at the age of twelve. A first a girl’s periods ten to be irregular, until their ovaries mature and they start to produce eggs more regularly. A menstrual period may last between two to seven days. A person loses one half to one cup of blood and tissue during their cycle. Girls should always use tampons or sanitary pads to absorb the blood flow. Girls will have to be shown how to use these the first time. They should be changed often as keeping them on longer could create a nasty odor.