Puberty – Physical Changes Females

The female body produces the hormones progesterone and oestrogen which kick start the process of puberty. Sexual development in girls can start anywhere between the ages of 8 and 14

Physical changes in girls include:

• Nipples becoming fuller and bigger
• Breasts grow
• Changes in face and body shape – wider hips and less childlike face
• Growth spurt and weight gain
• Voice becomes slightly deeper
• Hair grows and becomes darker on arms and legs
• Pubic hair grows under arms and on vulva
• Sweating more, greasier hair and skin and possible spots or acne
• Vagina discharges a clear or slightly milky discharge – this is normal and helps to keep the vagina healthy
• Ovaries release an egg which, if not fertilised by sperm, is broken down and shed with the lining of the womb. This is known as menstruation or a period