Puberty: What to Expect With Your Growing Daughter

 
Marietta GA Gynecologists

As children grow up, they develop through different stages, most of which are pretty predictable. Puberty is one of them – and it is often the most difficult. Understanding the specific physical and emotional changes that come with puberty can help you to prepare both yourself and your daughter for this important stage of life.

Puberty does not happen overnight; it can take several years to complete its complete change in your daughter, taking her from a child to an adult. Hormones are responsible for puberty, and it is these hormones that can be overwhelming to your daughter (and to you). There will be times when your daughter seems like a completely different person, while there will be other times when she seems to have regressed in age and wants to be a little girl again. All of these are perfectly normal, and having open communication with your daughter is the best advice that anyone can give you to help her understand what is “normal” and what to expect.

In order to not be caught off guard by your daughter’s change into puberty, there are certain physical changes that can be expected. Along with the emotional moodiness and tears, these signs will give you fair warning that puberty has begun:

  • Body odor is noticeable and requires daily use of deodorant
  • Body hair starts to grow on under the armpits and on the pubic area
  • Skin may become oily, causing acne breakouts
  • Growth spurts
  • Breast buds begin to develop
  • Menstruation begins
  • Hips, thighs, and buttocks fill out and develop a curvier appearance
  • Sexual and romantic thoughts become more common

At Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A., we are here for you and your daughter during this important life change. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that girls visit the gynecologist for the first time between the ages of 13 and 15 years of age. If your daughter begins puberty earlier than this time and has any difficulties with menstruation or other changes of during puberty, please contact us. Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A. is here to offer the most supportive, sensitive, and exceptional care to women of all ages, including those coming into womanhood.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Carlos Alarcon, Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A.