Hey girls! If you’re here, chances are you’ve started noticing new changes in your body. Take a deep breath because what you’re experiencing is most likely a normal part of growing up. This stage is called puberty, or, simply put, nagdadalaga ka na!

It is completely normal to feel caught in that stage of “in between”. You’re no longer a little girl, but not quite a grown-up just yet. It can leave you with a lot of questions. 

We don’t want you going through this feeling scared or alone, so let’s break down what’s happening to your body and what you can expect along the way.

What is Puberty in Girls?

Puberty is a natural stage of growing up when your body begins changing from childhood to young adulthood. For most girls, these physical changes typically begin between ages 8 and 13.

While this age range is considered typical, researchers have noticed that some girls are entering puberty earlier than in previous generations. This is known as early puberty, or precocious puberty.

According to the latest issue of the JAMA cohort study, the percentage of girls experiencing early and very early periods has nearly doubled over the last few decades. The data found that the average age of a girl’s first period dropped from 12.2 to 11.9 years old.

On the flip side, if your body seems to be developing later than your friends’, know that you are not alone. Delayed puberty affects approximately 2% of adolescents worldwide. Late puberty for girls is typically defined as no breast development by age 13 and lack of menstrual periods by age 15.

Delayed puberty can happen for many reasons, including genetics, nutrition, intense physical activity, certain medical conditions, or long-term stress.

A landmark birth cohort study conducted in Cebu found that when a young girl’s body is adapting to a stressful environment alongside limited nutrition, puberty is more likely to be delayed than accelerated.

The good news is that most girls with delayed puberty will catch up and develop normally. However, in some cases, late puberty may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, so it’s best to consult a doctor if you have any concerns.

7 Puberty Changes Every Girl Should Know

Growing up comes with plenty of changes, but don’t worry, they’re all a normal part of puberty. To make them easier to understand, we’ve grouped them into the 7 G’s.

Here are the common changes you can expect as your body grows:

1. Gaining Shape (Breast Development)

Breast development is usually the earliest sign of puberty in girls. As your breasts grow, they may feel tender, tingly, or itchy, but these sensations are completely normal and usually do not last long.

Don’t be self-conscious if your breasts seem uneven or look different from someone else’s. They come in different shapes and sizes, and one breast may even grow faster than the other. Once your breasts have developed enough, you can start wearing a bra that fits comfortably based on your cup and band size.

2. Growth Spurt

You may notice yourself getting taller in a short amount of time. This is called a growth spurt, and it’s one of the biggest changes during puberty. You may also gain weight as your body becomes more rounded, especially around your hips and thighs.

Girls, these changes are completely normal. As your body grows, it’s natural to gain a little more body fat, which helps support your overall growth and development. Remember, every girl grows at her own pace, so don’t worry if you seem taller or shorter than your friends.

3. Genital Changes

Your reproductive organs continue to grow and develop as you go through puberty. You may also notice a clear, white, or slightly yellow discharge in your underwear. This is called vaginal discharge, and it’s completely normal.

Vaginal discharge helps keep your vagina clean and healthy. It can also be a sign that your first period is getting closer. If the discharge has a strong odor or comes with itching or pain, be sure to tell a parent or speak with a healthcare professional.

4. Growing Hair 

As you go through puberty, you’ll start growing hair under your arms and around your pubic area. It may be soft and light at first, but it will gradually become thicker and curlier over time.

Growing body hair is completely normal, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed. At this stage, it is very important to build healthy hygiene habits. Whether you choose to shave, trim, wax, or leave your body hair as it is, the choice is yours. The most important thing is to keep the area clean and take care of your body.

5. Greasy Skin and Hair

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 produce more sebum. Because of this, you might start getting pimples or acne.

Again, this is a normal part of growing up. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser and keep your hair clean. Just remember to be gentle with your skin, as scrubbing too hard can sometimes make irritation worse.

6. Getting Sweaty

Your sweat glands become more active during puberty. That’s why you’ll notice you sweat more than you used to, especially after playing, exercising, or spending time outdoors.

You may also start noticing body odor. Don’t worry, this is completely normal. Take a bath every day, wear clean clothes, and use deodorant to stay fresh and feel more comfortable.

7. Getting RED-y

Getting your first period is one of the biggest milestones of puberty. It means your body is continuing to mature and is becoming physically capable of pregnancy in the future.

Normally, periods last from 3 to 5 days, but they can last up to 8 days for some girls. Keep in mind that it is quite normal to have an irregular menstrual cycle during the early stages. However, this should even out in about a year. If it becomes a recurring concern, it’s always best to consult a doctor.

Remember, Every Girl Grows at Her Own Pace

Every girl experiences puberty differently, and that’s completely normal. Some changes may happen earlier, while others take a little longer. Trust your body, take good care of yourself, and remember that you’re never alone in this journey. 

Never feel embarrassed to talk about these changes with the women you trust, whether it’s your mom, ate, tita, or another trusted adult. Chances are, they’ve been through it too and can offer the guidance and reassurance you need.

We hope this guide has helped you feel a little more prepared for the changes ahead. And whenever you’re ready, you can find our panty liners, sanitary napkins, and menstrual pants on Shopee and Lazada.