The puberty period in girls is quite a difficult time for both the child and his parents. At this time with the body of a teenager a variety of changes occur that affect all systems and organs.
What happens during puberty?
During this period, the sexual system of girls changes so as to prepare the body for the birth of a child. This process consists of a series of steps:
- The mammary glands begin to grow. This process can take up to 5 years until the breast reaches its final size, shape. Therefore, adolescents do not need to worry if at present this part of the body does not correspond to the ideals being represented, since it can change.
- Hair grows in the axillary and pubic areas.
- There is a rapid growth of the organism - the second in speed after the breast period of life.
- The body shape changes, for example, weight increases, small fat deposits appear. During this period, it is undesirable to follow low-calorie diets so as not to harm the body.
- Skin odor changes, intense sweating appears.
- Acne may appear on the face, back or chest.
- Appear or modified vaginal discharge.
- Teens begin to experience emotions, sexual sensations.
- Menarche occurs, that is, the first menstruation, then a regular menstrual cycle is established.
Forms and stages, answers to popular questions
How long is puberty
The normal duration of this period is 2-4 years. Each girl has an individual development rate, therefore the start dates or the duration of puberty can shift by a year. The main signs of the beginning of puberty include:
- Breast augmentation and hair growth in the groin area.
- The mammary glands begin to develop. Some girls may not have noticeable manifestations of puberty, while others have secondary hair growth earlier, their breasts begin to develop later.
At the same time, the delay of any of these signs does not necessarily mean that any pathological changes occur in the child’s body. In addition, premature puberty is one of the varieties of the norm. But at the same time it is advisable for parents to consult with a specialist if a girl in the pubic region has hair at 8-9 years old.
In some cases, breast growth may be delayed. This can be caused by various diseases, adolescent enthusiasm for low-calorie diets, malnutrition. So, it is advisable to consult a specialist if the child has no breast enlargement by the age of 14.
Another unpleasant symptom that requires consulting a doctor is the absence of menstruation 4-5 years after the start of breast growth.
Early puberty
It begins with an increase in the size of the hands and feet, and a breast bud begins to form - a small knot of tissue under the nipple areola. It can be a little painful, dense or soft, perhaps a symmetrical development. This process takes about six months, depending on the estrogen. After the initial development of the mammary glands, vaginal discharge begins to appear. So, they have increased acidity, often cause irritation of the skin of the genital organs and even inflammation, that is, vulvovaginitis. Therefore, it is important to teach the girl the rules of personal hygiene, start using daily pads, and when diaper rash or irritation appear, use a cream with panthenol.
Second puberty
Includes active hair growth in the pubic area. After this, signs of skin irritation that are caused by secretions at an earlier age should disappear. At the same time, acne may appear. There is a rapid growth, changing facial features.
Within six months, the girl can grow to 7 cm, the weight increases to 5 kg. After this, menstruation begins. Most often, this process occurs when a teenager is already 11-12 years old.
When does
It is believed that puberty is completed by the time of the start of regular menstruation, but the girl will continue to grow. Over the next two years, she may add another 5 cm in height. The achieved length of the body will be almost final, and in the following years the growth may not increase as much. Mammary glands develop to 18 years.
What hormonal changes occur in this period?
In girls, the features of the course of puberty are associated with hormones circulating in the blood. The first mechanism that triggers production is the gonadotropin-releasing factor in the hypothalamus, its work is not yet completely clear.
Regardless of the mechanism, this process is gradual. This is evidenced by the slowly increasing concentration of gonadotropic hormones, estrogens, within two years. Under the action of this factor, first during sleep, and then at any time of day, the production of luteinizing hormone is activated. Later, from about 10 years old, follicle-stimulating hormone begins to stand out. Its activity levels off over the next year.
After menstruation, the secretion of gonadotropic hormones begins to acquire a cyclical nature. The pituitary gland during puberty releases a small amount of prolactin, a hormone that affects the development of the mammary glands. During this period, the synthesis of steroid hormones - androgens, which produce the adrenal glands, increases.
In girls, their concentration increases to 6 years, but it does not have a significant impact on sexual development. An increase in gonadotropic hormones in the blood leads to activation of the ovaries, due to which these organs begin to produce estradiol - the female sex hormone. It is responsible for the growth of the mammary glands, the redistribution of fat and other secondary sexual characteristics. The ovaries can increase in volume to 4 cubic centimeters.
Under the action of estradiol begins to develop the uterus. If the little girls have a drop-like shape, the neck is 2/3 of the length of the whole organ, then during puberty the organ becomes a pear-shaped form, its body increases in size relatively more than the neck.
The level of follicle-stimulating hormone at the beginning does not reach the concentration required for ovulation. However, the endometrium located in the uterus is more sensitive and preparatory processes take place in it. When the amount of hormones reaches a certain level, begin monthly. During this period, the uterus is almost completely ready for cyclical changes.
Emotional changes in this period
Psychology of puberty is associated with a variety of emotional experiences. It is good if the girl has a very trusting relationship with her mother, who will be able to answer the most popular questions of the child. Major changes include:
- Emotional instability. During this period, children experience a lot of emotions, they have a lot of ideas.
- So, a child may feel uncomfortable, especially when dealing with boys.
- Girls are also easily upset, offended, especially with relatives and friends.
- Whims, tears, alternating laughter - a normal condition for a teenager in this period.
However, you should pay attention to the depressed mood, if it lasts more than one and a half weeks.
Constant fatigue
During this period, the child quickly gets tired or constantly feels hungry. The puberty period is a time of very rapid growth, so sleep should be at least 8-9 hours a day. Also in the diet of a teenager you need to include a variety of healthy foods: whole grain bread, vegetables, dairy products, fish, meat. Such nutrition will allow the teenager to feel more active, reduce emotional instability. At the same time from the sweets, fast food is better to give up. They can not only provoke acne, but also cause extra pounds.
Dissatisfaction with their appearance
Girls during this period usually experience discomfort about their appearance and the changes taking place. Comparing himself with girlfriends, the child can see the difference in their development. But it is necessary to understand and explain to the child that all puberty periods take place in different ways, therefore such differences are the norm, and changes in the body as a result will lead to the formation of a beautiful and feminine figure.
Change in relationship
During this period, the child may change relationships with the family, since girls prefer to spend time not with relatives, but with their friends. Often there is a feeling that parents do not want to know about the experiences of the child. Such a psychological reaction during puberty is normal. Therefore, it is important for parents to be prepared to unobtrusively help a growing child, giving the girl the confidence that she will always receive the necessary help from them.
Formation of the menstrual cycle
Menstruation can begin at any time during puberty, but most often occurs after the body has undergone numerous changes, that is, secondary sexual characteristics have formed. There are some facts you need to know about this process:
- Foresee the first day of menstruation is impossible. Most often occurs after about 2 years have passed since the beginning of the development of the mammary glands. In this case, the first menarche may be abundant or in the form of a few drops of blood. Before the baby starts, abdominal cramps may be disturbing, but this symptom is not mandatory.
- Often a teenage girl is worried about premenstrual syndrome. This is a complex of changes in the physical, mental and emotional plan, which lasts for several days before the onset of menstruation. During this period, the child may complain of nausea, headaches, often crying, he may have a stomach swell or swelling.
- In the first days of menstruation, pain is often present in the lower abdomen. If this condition appears constantly after the start of the menstrual cycle, you should consult with the pediatric gynecologist to avoid hormonal disruptions.
- In the first months, the cycle is often irregular. Menstruation can go far not every month - breaks between cycles can be up to 30-40 days. This is normal, but in order to control the process, it is recommended to start the menstrual calendar immediately. If the cycle does not stabilize during the year, you should be examined by a doctor.
- During this period, it is more convenient to use gaskets than tampons. And if menstruation begins irregularly, unexpectedly, the child should always have a spare hygienic product with him. It is necessary to change the gaskets at least every 4 hours. If girls use hygienic tampons, they should be removed at night to avoid the appearance of toxic shock syndrome - a rather dangerous complication.
After the first menstruation, an unprotected intercourse can cause pregnancy, including even an irregular cycle. Ovulation often occurs only six months after the beginning of menstruation, but to predict the first ovulatory cycle is almost impossible.
Therefore, an important advice to parents: do not avoid such questions, gently advise your child to use condoms if necessary. After the start of the menstrual cycle, the mammary gland acquires a rounded shape. During this period, it is already possible to start using a small bra to support the emerging breasts.
How do organs and systems change during puberty?
Under the influence of hormones, not only the reproductive system, but also other organs change. Often associated with this are some signs that bother the child and parents. As a result, they may be long and unsuccessfully treated, but over time, these physiological changes pass on their own.
Of course, if there are doubts about the health of the child, it is necessary to show the girl to the doctor. But you need to know some of the symptoms that are typical for this period in girls.
The cardiovascular system
The rapid development of muscles and bones ahead of the increase in the heart and blood vessels. Therefore, during this period, the heart beats more often to ensure the normal supply of the growing body with blood. Some girls have a tendency to lower blood pressure. Under the influence of any pathological effects, such as fatigue, stress, it can cause fainting. If this is an isolated case, then it is not dangerous, but if fainting occurs regularly, you should consult a specialist.
Digestion
During this period, the digestive system works as actively as possible. Therefore, muscle spasms, abdominal pain, loose stools, and vomiting may appear. It is necessary to adjust the food, to monitor the weight of the child. At this age, both slimming and overweight are dangerous.
Breath
Often, girls complain of a sense of lack of air, which is associated with an increased need for a growing organism in oxygen. Therefore, the child needs to be in a ventilated room, more to be in the fresh air. Bronchial asthma at such periods rarely occur, but if you experience attacks of dry cough, you need to consult a pulmonologist.
Nervous system
By this time, the brain and peripheral nerves are well formed. Therefore, pay attention to any signs of trouble, such as cramps, numbness, headaches.
What is hypothalamic syndrome?
One of the few violations of puberty is the hypothalamic syndrome. This is a condition that is associated with malfunctions of the hypothalamus releasing factors that trigger the entire hormonal mechanism.
The causes of this pathology are still little studied, but it is known that most often it affects girls whose parents have any endocrine pathologies. The provoking factors include:
- physical or emotional stress;
- diet and overeating;
- wrong sleep mode;
- other disorders of a healthy lifestyle.
Also, this disease occurs in adolescents who suffered a birth trauma in infancy. This pathology in girls is less common than in boys, while it develops after the completion of puberty - approximately 2 years after the onset of menstruation.
The manifestation of this pathology is associated with excessive secretion of gonadotropins, gestagens, other hormones. The main symptoms include:
- weight gain and rapid growth;
- feeling of sweating and heat;
- facial hair growth;
- headaches;
- temperature increase for no apparent reason;
- various emotional disturbances, such as apathy, drowsiness, and so on.
This syndrome in adolescents does not have clear diagnostic criteria and not all doctors recognize its existence. Most often, during this period, treatment is prescribed, which is based on a balanced diet, the use of sedatives and fortifying agents.
Are there any anomalies?
Premature puberty is diagnosed with breast augmentation or the presence of pubic hair in a 7–8 year old child. In this case, you need to conduct an in-depth examination of the child to identify the following pathologies:
- hypothyroidism;
- hyperinsulinism;
- brain tumors.
Delayed puberty - the absence of enlarged mammary glands at age 13 or the absence of menstruation for 3 years after the start of breast formation. If there is no menstruation and at the age of 16, doctors assert about primary amenorrhea.
In such cases, the following diseases should be excluded:
- anorexia;
- polycystic ovarian changes;
- fusion of the vagina.
The earlier the pathology is determined, the more effective the treatment will be. In the future, girls who have received successful therapy have more chances for a normal pregnancy.
Treatment for these symptoms individually. It will be appointed by the pediatric gynecologist after consulting with an endocrinologist. During this period, a gentle regimen, good sleep, lack of negativity, and a healthy diet are recommended. If necessary, may prescribe hormonal drugs. If the cause of the pathology is in the anatomical defects of the genital organs, then a surgical method of treatment is prescribed.
