Hey dear girls! We understand that you are in a stage of in-betweens. This phase can be challenging and quite overwhelming because a lot of physical, mental, and emotional changes are happening. These changes signify the beginning of adolescence or puberty towards a grown up version of “YOU”. Simply put, nagdadalaga ka na!

So, to help you ease through this stage, here’s a list of 7 G’s or growing up changes that you can expect to happen. These changes typically start to develop between the ages 8 and 13. Remember though that they may not come in order and some may even happen simultaneously. 

1. Growth Spurt! You get taller, broader, and heavier. Girls grow 2-3 inches taller
   annually over the next year or two upon the onset of puberty, until they reach their adult height. They also acquire more body fat as compared with boys. This is related to when girls start having their periods, which signals their ability to conceive. Extra energy from the stored fats is needed to support pregnancy and breastfeeding in the later years.
2. Growing Pains. Your breasts start to develop. They may start to feel tender,
   tingly, or itchy but it won’t last for long. ‘Wag rin maconscious, because they do come in different shapes and sizes. The combination of the cup and band sizes determine the bra size. Cup sizes range from small to extra large (or cups A to D). Band size on the other hand, is the measurement around your torso (32 to 40 or even more). It means that if your bra size is 32B, you have a medium cup and your bra is 32 inches around your torso.
3. Getting Hairy. Hair everywhere! Under your arms, and down there on your pubic
   area. They may be soft and sparse at first but late in puberty, they will eventually thicken and become curlier. At this point, it is very important to pay more attention to grooming and proper hygiene to make sure that everything looks clean and tidy. A variety of options are available -- from shaving to plucking or even waxing. Feel free to try any of these to see what works best for you.
4. Getting Sweaty. You start to sweat more. Sweating up is the body’s natural
   response to rising temperatures in order to regulate body heat. This is more apparent in puberty because the sweat glands are growing and becoming more active. To stay fresh, take a bath at least once a day and start swiping a deodorant if needed.
5. Getting Greasy. Your skin and hair may get oilier. Thanks (or no thanks) to
   unstable hormone levels during puberty, the oil glands are as active as ever and produces more sebum. Excess oil together with lack of skin care habits cause pimples. Prevent your skin from breaking out by keeping your face clean. Be gentle, just wash your face with clean water.
6. Genital Changes. Your sex organs develop. The outer part (vulva) increases in
   size a little bit while the inner part (vagina and uterus) get longer and bigger. You may also notice some white or yellow patch on your underwear, that’s called a discharge or “white mens”. It’s a sign that you are about to have your period soon.
7. Getting RED-y. Your periods start. It’s the ultimate indication that the female
   body is fit to bear a child. The average menstrual cycle for most women is 28 days but it can range from 21 to 35 days. Your cycle begins on the first day of your period -- that is Day 1. Normally, periods last from 3 to 5 days but it can last up to 8 days for some girls. Keep in mind that it is quite normal to have irregular cycle during the early stage, but it should even out in about a year. If it becomes a recurring concern, it's always best to consult a doctor.

All girls must remember that every single body is unique. What one feels and/or experiences may be completely different from the other. Others may see changes early on while it may take a while for some. But keep in mind that these changes happen gradually so there is plenty of time to get used to them. Just take care of your body, don’t forget proper hygiene, and seek advice from your elderly female figures, i.e. your mom or your sister. ‘Ika nga nila “been there, done that.”