Accelerate a girl's puberty. When does puberty end in girls and boys? The dangers of early puberty in girls

A 6.5 year old child has started to growhair on the labia. Ultrasound of the pelvic organs, adrenal glands and thyroidglands are normal. What should be done, what examination should I undergo?

Answered by Berezovskaya E.P.

All disorders of sexual development in girls can be divided into two qualitative groups: premature sexual development (PPD) and delayed sexual development. It was believed that precocious development of girls can be discussed with the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics (the growth of mammary glands and the appearance of pubic hair) before the age of 8 years, but there is increasing evidence that these signs can also be observed in girls aged 6-7 years.

PPR can be divided into two categories: gonadotropin-dependent PPR (true and false, central, cerebral) and gonadotropin-independent PPR. The first category is associated with premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadotropin system, which leads to impaired production of gonadotropins. A false type of PPR is observed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, tumors that produce gonadotropins, especially hCG, tumors of the adrenal glands, ovaries, syndromeMcCune-Albrigh, et al. Precocious sexual development can be hereditary (autosomal dominant pathway of gene transmission) - this is a constitutional form of PPR, or gonadotropin-independent. PPR can also be divided into complete and incomplete forms.

In girls with precocious puberty, you can observe:

• accelerated growth and weight gain

• advanced bone age by more than 2 years

• breast enlargement up to 7-8 years

• appearance of pubic hair before 7-8 years of age

• bloody vaginal discharge

• enlarged uterus

• in some cases, regular menstruation appears. Possible pregnancy and childbirth at the age of 5-10 years

• neurological symptoms: headache, fatigue, visual impairment.

If a disorder of sexual development is suspected, the girl should be examined by a pediatric gynecologist. It is very important to interview parents about how the pregnancy progressed, collect information about the parents’ hereditary and acquired diseases, and analyze the child’s growth and development charts. Laboratory examination includes measuring the level of a number of hormones (LH, FSH, hCG, estradiol, TSH, T 4, etc.), insulin, glucose, etc. X-ray of the pituitary gland, bone skeleton, MRI, ultrasound, determination of karyotype significantly help in making the correct diagnosis .

How do you know if puberty has already begun in your body? When does it start and what are its symptoms? What to expect from your first period? In this article you will find out the answers to all your questions.

Signs of puberty

One of the first signs of puberty is a sudden change in height. If earlier you gained an average of 2 centimeters per year, then during puberty you can grow by 10 cm in a year! At the same time, girls grow much faster than their peers boys. This difference in height evens out at the age of 17-18 years. Just when girls end puberty.

Then the proportions of your body begin to change: the length of the limbs increases compared to the length of the body. Because of this, there is a change in body proportions, which can visually make you awkward. Don't worry, this happens to everyone.

The growth of your body triggers the appearance of one of the most unpleasant signs of puberty - acne. This happens because the skin is greatly stretched due to the enlargement of bones during growth. To avoid cracks, the body activates the sebaceous glands. As a result of their work, hair and skin become oilier. Thus, excess activity of the sebaceous glands leads to acne.

Then secondary female sexual characteristics begin to form in your body. First of all, your breasts get bigger. At the same time, hair begins to appear in the groin and armpit areas.

The amount of hair on your arms and legs will gradually begin to increase, and they will become darker.

The culmination of puberty in girls is the first menstruation. It is also called by the beautiful word menarche.

The changes in your appearance will not end there! The figure will begin to acquire rounded shapes, which are characteristic of the female body.

In addition to external changes, your body undergoes hormonal changes. The activation of the sebaceous glands begins, which, as you already know, leads to the appearance of acne.

When does puberty begin?

Puberty can begin at 7 years old, or maybe only at 13. But the usual time for it is 10 years old. This process may take 1.5–4 years. Typically, the first period occurs two to three years after a girl begins to develop breasts. You must understand that puberty for each girl is a very individual process! Some girls are almost fully formed by the age of 12 or 13, while others enter this process much later.

The sooner you start puberty, the sooner it will end. That is, if at the age of 9 you already have signs of puberty, then after a year and a half you can wait for your first menstruation, and if these signs are noted at the age of 12-13, then two to two and a half years may pass before your first menstruation.

Phases of Puberty

Puberty is divided into two phases:

Presexual phase (occurs at the age of 8-9 years and lasts about 5 years); This phase begins when secondary sexual characteristics appear, active development of the body and rapid growth occur. The presexual phase ends with the appearance of the first menstruation.

Puberty phase (starts at 13-14 and lasts until 18 years). After the first menstruation, growth slows down. This phase ends with the completion of sexual development, when your body is completely ready to conceive and bear a child.

Factors influencing the onset of puberty

Heredity: Ask your mother or other relative when she first started menstruating. Most likely, you should expect them at the same age.

Nationality: Girls of different nationalities may experience puberty at different times. This is due to genetically stored information.

Weight: If you're thin, your period may start a little later than your overweight friend. And your normal menstrual cycle may vary too.

Psycho-emotional environment: if the conditions in your family are unfavorable and you are under constant stress, there may be a failure in the nervous regulation of maturation processes and menstruation will come later.

Having chronic illnesses: If you are in poor health and have chronic illnesses, maturation may start later and take longer than others.

First menstruation

A few days before your first period, you may experience new and slightly uncomfortable sensations that are associated with premenstrual syndrome. Yes, yes, this is the same PMS. Its main symptoms are:

Increased appetite

Pain in the abdomen and lower back

Breast enlargement

Mood swings

Tearfulness

Irritability.

Apathy and weakness

As a rule, the first periods are light. In general, it could be a few spots on your underwear that you won’t immediately notice. But don't be surprised if you have a lot of discharge right away. Here you can’t guess who will be lucky. But, in any case, it is the discharge of blood that is the main sign of the first menstruation.

Learn how to use a period calendar.

On average, menstruation lasts 5 days. But a period of 3 to 8 days is absolutely normal. So if your period only lasts 3 days, that's completely normal. Moreover, you can be envied. If your period does not stop for more than 8 days, be sure to consult with gynecologist .

If you're worried that your period might start at any moment, carry a pad in your purse just in case. Even if this happens to you during class, you will be ready. And this is very calming. If your period takes you by surprise, don't be shy about asking another girl for a pad. This is absolutely normal, female solidarity.

Don't forget that puberty is a very individual process. It goes differently for everyone. So don’t worry if your girlfriends have already started their periods and you’re still waiting. For complete peace of mind, you can consult a gynecologist.

The time has finally come when you are faced with a wonderful, albeit difficult age.

If you are a mother, then it is difficult for you to realize that your baby is getting older and now the thoughts in her head can suddenly become multi-colored butterflies or glossy black. At this age, my mother’s girl tries to defend her character, thinking that she can handle everything herself.

Meanwhile, she does not have time to keep track of the changes in her body, which undoubtedly worry her. And you, as the closest person, have been entrusted with the responsibility to tell, help, and direct in the right direction all the energy that is overwhelming your child.

If you are a young girl, you have already had many questions regarding everything related to the adult life of a woman. But these questions could have been put off earlier, since it was far away, maybe not very interesting, and in no way connected with the life when you were a carefree girl.

Sex education for girls is a complex and time-consuming process that must be approached with caution. Not only mom, but also dad should take part in the process.

Let's start with the changes in the girl. Precisely in a girl, because perestroika does not begin when secondary sexual characteristics appear, but much earlier. On average, puberty lasts 10 - 12 years. During this time, the girl changes noticeably before the eyes of others.

Prepuberty is a period that begins at 7–8 years of age and ends with the arrival of the first menstruation. Usually this (menstruation) happens 1 to 3 years after the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics. Already from such an early age, you can notice changes in the child’s body. Hormones begin their activity, although not cyclically. But hormone releases occur constantly. In this connection, the transformation of a girl into a girl occurs.

Signs of puberty in girls

The first changes take place in the girl’s body - the hips are rounded, the growth of the pelvic bones begins. Mammary glands appear. You can already notice areas of hair growth on the pubis and armpits.

As a rule, a girl begins to grow sharply before the onset of menstruation.

All these signs may develop inconsistently. Now let’s look at each sign and the pathologies associated with it. There are several stages in the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

A few years before the onset of the first menstruation, a girl’s growth begins to grow sharply. Presumably, this happens 2 - 3 years before the onset of menstruation.

At this time, growth spurts can reach up to 10 centimeters per year.

Often during this period the child is awkward, since the bones do not grow evenly; first the hands and feet become larger, then the tubular bones and only then the torso.

Clumsiness in movements may also be observed, this is due to the fact that nerve fibers and muscles do not always keep pace with the growth of skeletal bones.

Skin covering

The skin develops according to the skeleton and muscles, for this purpose the secretion of the glands is increased in order to have good stretching, as a result of which the teenager suffers from rashes, which in science are called “acne”, “acne” or pimples. Hair also becomes oilier at the roots, so now you need to wash your hair more often.

Subcutaneous fatty tissue also develops. There is increased deposition of fat in the hips and abdomen. The shoulders are also rounded and the waist appears.

Thelarche is the development of the mammary gland. Typically, breast growth begins in girls at 10 - 11 years old, 1.5 - 2 years before the onset of menstruation. According to WHO, the appearance of signs of breast growth after 8 years is considered normal. The nipples become sensitive and can change color, depending on the amount of pigment in the body.

There is also an increase in the size of the nipple itself. Hair growth is possible around the areola of the nipple - this happens in women of Eastern and Caucasian origin and is not a pathology. The color, shape, and size of the breast depend on genetic factors and the amount of subcutaneous adipose tissue.

There are several degrees of breast development:

• Ma0— the gland is not developed, the nipple is not pigmented;
• Ma1- gland tissue is palpated in the area of ​​the areola, painful;
• Ma2— the mammary gland is enlarged, the nipple and areola are raised;
• Ma3- the mammary gland takes the shape of a cone whose base is located between the III and VI ribs. The nipple does not stand out separately from the areola;
• Ma4- the gland has a hemispherical shape, the nipple is separated from the areola and is pigmented.

The mammary gland completes its development and grows to its maximum only after childbirth and breastfeeding. And the final stage of mammary gland development is observed at about 15 years. The mammary gland itself may be painful during the growth period and before menstruation.

Hair growth

Pubarche - hair growth of the pubic area - begins at 10 - 12 years of age. Growing pubic hair forms a triangle, the base of which is located on the lower line of the abdomen. There may be isolated hairs rising towards the navel. But if the hair densely covers the entire area, forming a diamond, you should contact a gynecologist-endocrinologist.

By the age of 13-15, hair appears in the armpits and on the legs. The hardness, color and shape of hair is individual and depends on genetic predisposition.

Armpit hair:

• Ah0- no hair growth;
• Ah1- hair growth with single straight hairs;
• Ah2- the appearance of hair in the middle of the armpit;
• Ah3- hair growth of the entire axillary area.

Pubic hair growth:

• Pb0- no hair growth;
• Pb1- hair growth with single straight hairs;
• Pb2- appearance of hair in the center;
• Pb3- hair growth of the entire pubic area along a horizontal line.

You need to learn how to properly maintain the smoothness of your legs, bikini area and armpits. Each girl chooses an individual method for achieving her goal. But do not rush into removal, because the first hair is softer, thinner and less noticeable. Over time or under the influence of external factors, they become tough.

Menarche is the beginning of menstrual flow, the first menstruation. This happens to everyone at different ages, and menarche also depends on genetics. As a rule, the first bleeding occurs from 12 to 14 years. After the start of the first menstruation, the girl's growth slows down, but other signs of puberty continue to develop.

Many girls' periods are not cyclical at the very beginning. For some, it takes some time - from six months to two years. In case of non-cyclical discharge, you should consult a doctor in the future.

During menstruation, the mammary glands may be tense and somewhat painful. Also, many girls and women experience aching pain in the lower abdomen before and during bleeding, and some experience discomfort in the stomach or intestines. All this can accompany mensis (menstruation) normally.

Before the critical days, the mood may change; more often the girl feels irritated, overwhelmed, and tearful. But all this passes during the first days of menstruation. Despite the irregularity of the cycle, a girl can become pregnant, and it is important to convey this to an immature person.

Deviations from the norm

As everyone knows, where there is a norm, there is also a pathology. Today, cases such as premature puberty in girls (PPD) are increasingly observed. And here it is important that the mother carefully approaches changes in the child’s body.

They speak of PPD if the girl herself is under 8 years of age at the appearance of her first sexual signs. At this age, a child cannot always adequately approach the innovations of his body.

Types of PPR

Precocious puberty in girls is divided into into several types.

1. True type. It occurs when the functioning of the endocrine glands - the hypothalamus and pituitary gland - is disrupted, which, in turn, stimulate the functioning of the ovaries.

• full form. When all secondary signs begin to develop before the age of 7–8 years, growth slows down due to the closure of growth zones in the bones, menstrual flow appears;
• incomplete form. Here secondary signs appear, but the periods themselves come much later - at 10 - 11 years.

2. False type. It is characterized by a disorder in the ovary itself - erratic production of hormones occurs, and therefore the order of appearance of secondary sexual characteristics in the child is disrupted. And there is irregular spotting, which can begin without the full development and formation of the mammary gland or hair growth.

3. Hereditary type. As a rule, if a girl has women in her pedigree (especially if it is her mother) whose maturation began earlier than the designated dates, then the child himself will turn into a girl earlier than his peers. In this case, the order of appearance of sexual characteristics will not be disrupted.

Causes of PPR

Causes of early puberty in girls can be:

• brain cysts;
• previous bacterial or viral infection;
• cerebral circulatory disorders;
• congenital anomalies (hydroencephaly);
• exposure (high exposure to radiation);
• poisoning by poisons (lead);
• consequences of brain injuries.

If you notice any changes in your princess that can be attributed to PPR, or there is a growth spurt before the age of 7, it is better to contact a gynecologist, endocrinologist and undergo an examination. Early sexual development is a process that requires mandatory supervision by a specialist.

Delayed puberty

Another problem for mothers and their girls is delayed pubertal development in girls (DSD).

Signs of delay:

• absence of onset of menstruation before age 16;
• lack of sufficient growth of the mammary glands before the age of 13;
• scanty hair growth by the age of 14;
• insufficient growth or abnormal development of the genital organs;
• lack of correspondence of height and weight to age.

Also, delayed development of maturity is a condition when a girl’s sexual development is only half complete. That is, the mammary glands have developed, there is partial hair growth, and then everything slowed down for more than a year and a half.

Causes of mental retardation

1. Congenital disorders of the brain.
2. Brain cysts and tumors.
3. Poisoning by poisons.
4. Heredity.
5. Exposure of the body to radiation or radiation therapy.
6. Removal of ovaries.
7. Strong physical activity.
8. Severe stress or malnutrition (exhaustion).
9. Complications after bacterial or viral infections, etc.

If you are concerned about your girl’s health, consult a doctor, he will conduct an examination and be able to make the correct diagnosis. It is easier and more effective to treat any condition of the body at the very beginning, when the pathology has not caused irreversible consequences. Everything needs to be done on time!

Another important moment in a girl’s development is growing up and becoming a girl, a woman from the inside.

Sexual development of girls should be given special attention from birth. Even from the cradle, a girl should feel like an important link in creating family comfort, since the atmosphere in the family mainly depends on her. In addition, the girl will face pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for a newborn in the future.

The child must prepare for the upcoming difficulties, and this is not bad when little girls push their dolls in strollers and already begin to experience maternal feelings and a sense of responsibility. When a girl tries to be like her mother and knows what awaits her, she enjoys all the changes and is not afraid to move forward.

If a girl is not talked to about the topic of transforming a girl into a girl, and then into a woman, all changes in her body are unpleasant for her, and the onset of menstruation generally frightens her. You need to explain everything to your princess as she grows into adulthood, step by step. It is important that next to the girl there is an older comrade in the person of a mother, friend, aunt, etc.

During adolescence, it is sometimes very difficult for teenagers to understand themselves, their mood can change dramatically, and the feeling of irritability and tearfulness does not allow them to calmly perceive changes. You should never ridicule or reproach a child during this period.

With the onset of adolescence, or rather, with its end, it is time to discuss the sexual side of her life with the girl. The girl’s behavior changes - she looks at the opposite sex more often, experiences attractions, and is overcome by erotic fantasies. A teenager must understand everything and learn not to be ashamed of it. Sex education for girls is an important task that falls on parents.

In addition to the perception itself, it is necessary to convey to your child information about the possibility of becoming pregnant and contracting infections through sexual contact. You should also tell her about the negative effects of early sexual debut. Teenagers at this age often experiment, including in this area, and violent actions are possible.

Teach your child the rules of personal hygiene, purity of sexual relations and their protection, tell them about the frequency of showering during menstruation - all this is the task of a good parent. Having matured, the child encounters new conditions of his body. For example, thrush occurs - a fairly common disease that needs to be cured in time.

Often a teenager, feeling his imperfection, withdraws into himself and suffers for a long time from symptoms that can bring severe discomfort. It is worth paying attention to the appearance of acne, it is important to tell your child how to deal with them correctly, because we all know the tendency of children to squeeze everything out. This can lead to unpleasant consequences: scarring of the skin, blood poisoning.

Sex education is often the subject of much controversy. But there are certain rules that are best adhered to - they will allow you to transition into puberty as smoothly as possible and preserve the girl’s health.

It is worth paying attention to the nutrition of a teenager; girls themselves often skip meals on purpose in order, as they think, to be more beautiful. A girl should eat well to avoid delays in the development of sexual characteristics and the onset of menstruation.

Under no circumstances should you treat a teenager like an adult. A person in adolescence already knows a lot, has his own point of view, but he is just starting on the path of growing up; your advice is important to him, although sometimes he does not show it. Control is never superfluous.

Masturbation is very important in the development of sexuality. There is nothing unhealthy or shameful about this behavior. This is how the child learns to relieve stress by fantasizing, imagining imaginary actions. Contrary to the thoughts imposed by the Bible and Soviet education about masturbation as something dirty and unacceptable for a self-respecting woman, today its benefits have been proven, of course, if you don’t “go too far.”

As a conclusion

The main goals of parents, especially mothers, during puberty, are:

• teach the girl to accept herself as she is;
• convey all knowledge regarding sexual techniques, contraception and methods of protection against sexually transmitted infections;
• show all the beauty of a woman, mother, wife;
• determine the boundaries of decent behavior with the opposite sex;
• teach how to cope with some ailments associated with premenstrual syndrome, thrush, etc.;
• surround your child with love and care, especially when he needs it.

Of course, just like a child, you also grow up. Do not forget that the child has never been an adult, and you, adults, have already experienced all the hardships of this difficult period. How your child perceives everything depends largely on you.

Puberty is a frightening and at the same time exciting period in the life of any girl. Your body develops, your period begins, and your mood constantly changes! You may not be sure if you have actually started puberty. Especially since it usually begins long before symptoms appear. So, you will know if you have started puberty if you notice some changes in your body, as well as changes in your behavior and emotions.

Steps

Changes in the body

Measure your height. Have you noticed that you need new clothes, shoes and underwear? When you reach puberty, you may gain some extra weight and grow a little taller. If you notice an increase in height, you may also notice other signs.

Pay attention to your body odor. During puberty, a hormonal surge begins, causing the sweat glands to become more active. The sweat released mixes with bacteria, which causes a specific odor. Luckily, there are many ways to combat bad odor, including:

Observe changes in breast shape and size. Pay attention to the area around the nipples on your chest. Gently press the area with your fingers and try to feel small hard lumps inside the breast. If you feel such lumps on your right and left breasts, it means that your mammary glands have begun to develop.

Check to see if your pubic hair has started to grow. Pay attention to the pubic area and the area around the vagina, and run your finger to feel if you have started to grow hair. They can be soft and short, straight and thick, or coarse and curly. Having pubic hair is a sign of puberty.

Stand in front of a mirror to examine your figure. In addition to feeling lumps in your breasts and the appearance of pubic hair, you may notice that your figure has begun to change. Have you noticed that your clothes are starting to fit you differently? Pay attention to changes in your figure - a mirror will help determine whether you have started puberty. There are other parts of the body that may become slightly rounder and larger, these include:

Give it a couple of years and you'll have hair under your arms and on your legs. Gently touch your armpits or look in the mirror to see if your hair has started to grow. Also take a close look at your feet. Hair on the legs may be darker, thicker, and more noticeable. About a year or two after you notice your pubic hair, pay attention to your legs and armpits.

Observe for any vaginal discharge. Look at your underwear - are there any traces of discharge? They can be detected as early as a year or two after your breasts begin to develop. You will most likely feel vaginal discharge in your panties. They can be clear and watery, or they can be white and have a thick consistency, like mucus. This type of discharge is normal and is a clear sign that you have started puberty.

• Make an appointment with your doctor or have someone you trust check to see if the color and smell of your discharge is normal. Abnormal color and odor may be a sign of infection.

1. Wait for your period. You may begin your period within six months of your vaginal discharge. Notice if there are any traces of blood on your underwear or around the vaginal area. This may mean you are going through puberty and getting your first period. For many girls, the first menstruation is the most frightening and exciting part of puberty.

   • After your first period, your menstrual cycle may be irregular.
   • During your first period, you may experience bloating. When this happens, you will feel that your tummy is fuller and swollen than usual.
   • You may experience cramps, back pain, or headaches during your period.

2. Examine your skin to see if any changes have appeared. Notice if your skin has become oilier or has more acne or irritation. Changes in the body also affect the skin. Pimples and oily skin on the face, neck, chest/back are also signs of puberty.

   • Wash your face with mild soap or a special cleanser to get rid of oily skin and prevent acne.
   • If your acne problem becomes more severe, contact your doctor to examine you and prescribe treatment. Acne is common during puberty, but hormonal surges can make your acne problem worse.

New internal state and new emotions

1. Keep a diary of emotions. Write down your feelings and sensations every day (or every time you feel like expressing them to someone). During puberty, your hormonal levels change and this affects your emotions. Read your journal once a week to see if there are any changes in your mood or emotions. Drastic changes in emotions are also a sign of puberty. Below are some emotions you may notice:

   Notice how you begin to think. As you do your homework or encounter different situations, notice if you begin to perceive and think about them differently. A new way of thinking can also be a sign of puberty. Watch your mindset change:

   • Awareness of the consequences and your responsibility. For example, understanding what happens when you don't do your responsibilities or homework.
   • The need to make your own decisions. For example, when you are trying to defend your point of view about what is right and wrong.
   • Become aware of the things you like and don't like.

2. Curiosity about your body. The desire to observe and touch your body is a normal part of growing up and puberty. Plus, as you get older, you may become more curious about sex and sexuality. Explore your body, enjoy masturbation if you feel like it. All these things are quite natural, there is no need to be ashamed of them. In addition, these are clear signs of puberty.

   Accept feelings of attraction to other people. Romantic and sexual feelings are a normal part of growing up. If you have developed feelings for boys, look out for other signs of puberty. This will help ensure that you have indeed entered puberty.

It seems like just yesterday your baby was trying to hold her head up, smile, crawl, talk, walk…. And today you notice strange changes in her. What's happening to her? Don't be alarmed by the changes taking place - your baby has most likely smoothly entered puberty in girls. And it doesn’t matter that she may be only 8 years old and still just a child. Already now she is actively preparing to become a woman, a mother. And right now you, parents, must help your daughter get through a difficult period in her life. And for this, you need to have an idea of ​​what puberty in a girl means and how it occurs normally.

• How does puberty differ between girls and boys?

Puberty of girls and boys is completely different; they are completely different processes. Puberty begins at different times, is perceived by children in completely different ways, and proceeds differently. For example, earlier puberty in girls is a fairly common occurrence, while in boys it is rather an exception to the rule. However, the premature puberty of girls should not be a cause for concern for parents at all - this is normal.

Puberty in girls and boys generally takes about five years. The timing of the onset of puberty, as already mentioned, is very individual and may well fluctuate greatly, both in one direction and the other. In cases where parents notice significant fluctuations - puberty in girls or boys is too early, or, on the contrary, too much delay - it makes sense to consult a pediatrician. The doctor is able to assess the most adequate state of the physical development of your son or daughter, and refer you for additional examinations, if necessary, in order to reliably determine the reasons for the deviation of the child’s sexual development from the norm.

However, serious hormonal problems are very rare. Almost always, the cause of such temporary deviations is a hereditary trait. The fact is that if at one time at least one parent also had some deviations in either direction, this increases by 50% the possibility of the same deviations in the child. This is especially evident in relation to the growth of children - if both parents are short, one should not expect the teenager to experience an intense growth spurt.

Modern medicine has established some frameworks within which the start of puberty should fit, both girls and boys. Puberty begins earlier for girls at the age of 8, and only at the age of 10 for boys; the deadline for puberty to begin for a girl is 12 years old, for a boy - 14 years old. If parents have any doubts about the sexual development of the child, they should seek advice from a pediatrician or endocrinologist. And remember: under no circumstances should you express your doubts or fears in the presence of your son or daughter - you risk causing the child quite serious psychological trauma, which you will have to struggle with for a long time in the future. Do not forget that the adolescent psyche is a delicate “instrument”, very, very vulnerable.

Actually, this is all that puberty has in common between girls and boys. Everything else is a complete difference that parents should be aware of.

• Sex education for girls

The first thing I would like to say is that sex education for girls should begin at a very young age, literally from birth. After all, instilling hygiene in a child is also sex education for girls. Each parent probably wants their daughter to grow up to be a soft, sensitive, caring woman who loves her children. This is what sex education for girls is all about at an early age.

You shouldn’t be a prude with your child, tell “fairy tales” about gender differences in childhood, and talk nonsense about storks and cabbages when answering the question “Where do children come from?” The main thing that is required from parents in the event of “uncomfortable” questions or situations is natural behavior, a willingness to answer everything comprehensively, and the ability to explain everything without fear or shame. Regardless of the child’s age, whether he is four, seven or fifteen years old, your answers must be truthful in content, objective and scientific. Be truthful with your child, but age appropriate, and answer clearly, concisely and to the point.

A child’s assimilation of his own gender role, his character, and the development of his sexuality largely depend on the family, which is able to harmoniously combine the social and biological principles of the future woman’s personality.

If you took the issues of sex education responsibly from the very beginning, then during puberty in girls you will not have any special problems; this difficult time will pass for your child and for you without any psychological trauma or misunderstandings in relationships. You can read more about what sex education for girls is in the article: “Sex education for children. Principles of sex education for boys and girls.”

• Puberty in girls

Puberty of a girl is a very intensive growth of the child, which lasts about two years, and precedes the onset of puberty of the girl. A girl's puberty begins with her first menstruation.

As already mentioned, it is impossible to name the exact age when puberty begins in girls. The average age at which girls begin sex education is approximately 11 years old, therefore, the first menstrual cycle should occur around 13 years old, that is, puberty will occur in two years. However, in recent decades, there has been a trend towards “rejuvenation” of puberty - earlier puberty in girls increasingly begins at the age of 8-9 years. It happens, especially if the mother’s puberty was late, the girl’s puberty can begin at the age of 13, and the first menstruation, accordingly, at the age of 15.

There are cases, occasionally, but still, that a girl’s puberty starts at the age of 7 or 15. In this case, parents have cause for concern; such deviations are pathological in nature and require special medical correction. If this occurs, premature or excessively early puberty in girls, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

When the deviations are not so drastic, they should not frighten parents. Minor deviations do not signal any hormonal disruptions in the child’s body or malfunctions of the hormonal glands. Most likely, this is just a hereditary predisposition. If you yourself don’t remember when your puberty began and how it went, ask your parents - they will probably be able to dispel your doubts. And, of course, under no circumstances should you give your child any hormonal medications - this can simply cause irreparable harm to the girl’s health and even lead to infertility in the future. Such drugs should be prescribed exclusively by the attending physician.

• Signs of puberty in girls

Height. Puberty in girls is accompanied by the following characteristic signs, each of which manifests itself in its own life period and begins with growth:

• At 7-8 years of age, the baby grew approximately 7 centimeters over the course of a year.
• By the age of 9, nature begins to sharply slow down the growth process, and it is only about two centimeters. This will continue throughout the tenth year of life - not exceeding 1 - 3 centimeters of increase in height per year.
• During the 11th year, a powerful growth spurt usually occurs - over the next couple of years, the average increase in height per year will be about 10 centimeters. In addition, her weight will begin to grow rapidly - the usual 2 kilograms per year will be replaced by approximately 6 kilograms of weight gain. However, this will not be noticeable outwardly, except that the girl may simply develop a “brutal” appetite, which is explained by the body’s need for a large amount of nutrients to ensure such a rapid growth spurt.

Mammary gland. A girl's puberty is accompanied by significant changes in her body. At its very beginning, an enlargement of the mammary glands is noted, which occurs as follows: the first changes concern the areola and nipple, which slightly enlarge and protrude forward. A little later, the mammary gland itself begins to change. During the first year after the onset of puberty in girls, the mammary gland takes on the shape of a cone. About a year before the first menstruation begins, the girl's breasts will take on a more familiar, rounded shape.

Hair growth and body changes. When a girl begins puberty, vegetation appears in the perineal area and armpits. The figure changes, acquiring more feminine outlines: gradually the girl’s hips begin to widen, and her waist becomes visible. In addition, during puberty, girls' hair and skin structure changes dramatically, which is affected by certain hormones.

First menstruation. Around the age of 13, a girl’s first menstruation occurs. However, the formation of the menstrual cycle is a very long process that can last up to one year. Before the menstrual cycle is established, menstruation may be extremely irregular and vary in length - but no more than 5 days of menstrual bleeding. Such irregularity is a completely normal phenomenon, which should not cause any concern for parents. When the first menstruation occurs, the girl’s growth seriously slows down; in general, she will subsequently gain no more than 5 centimeters in height.

The mother of a girl should pay especially close attention during menstruation. Regardless of how old a girl’s first menstruation began - at 11 or 15, this event always turns out to be stressful for her. One can only imagine how serious the stress will be if the girl knows absolutely nothing about what is happening to her? As psychological practice shows, a girl may begin to panic, and she will not even tell her mother about what is happening to her and her body.

That is why the mother is absolutely obliged in a timely manner, before the first menstruation occurs, to prepare the girl psychologically for the upcoming physiological changes, teach her how to use the necessary hygiene items, and tell her the rules of behavior during menstruation. Of course, a girl can learn about everything from other sources, for example, from her friends. However, in this case, do not be surprised if she shares the news that she has become a girl, and other events in her life, with a friend, and not with you. Also, you should not react too violently to the onset of menstruation in a girl, and especially not publicly inform relatives and friends about it - this can seriously confuse the girl, provoke the appearance of complexes, and the fear of telling you something in the future.

Clumsiness. It is during a rapid growth spurt that the same “clumsiness” familiar to many appears in a teenage girl. Parents should not worry about this - such disproportion of the body is completely normal and does not indicate any pathology. The “ugly duckling” period will soon end irrevocably, and your little princess will turn into a real beauty. Be sure to talk to the girl about this, she also needs to understand this, explain what is causing this change, and that it will end soon.

• Psychological difficulties during puberty in girls

During puberty in girls, the skeleton grows most intensively, but unevenly. The fact is that bones grow at different speeds, absolutely not synchronously - first the bones of the hands and feet grow, then the bones of the arms, and the skull of the face. And only at the very last stage does the body “catch up” with them. This explains the fact that teenage girls often have too long legs and arms, and a slightly elongated face. In addition to all this, the rate of muscle growth is often significantly lower than the rate of bone growth, as a result, a certain clumsiness and angularity of the teenager’s movements.

Signs of puberty are usually pronounced in girls, and if premature puberty occurs in girls, problems of a psychological nature occur. A girl may feel embarrassed by the changes taking place, especially if her peers have not yet begun to experience them. If this issue is quite painful for your daughter, try talking to the teacher, the class teacher, who will make sure that the girl does not become the subject of ridicule at school. It would not hurt to seek advice from a child psychologist; he will explain to the child in a tactful manner and with knowledge of the psychological characteristics of children and adolescents that all changes are absolutely natural and normal.

Remember : How a girl perceives the changes that occur in her body depends to a large extent on how good and close her relationship is with her mother. Try to communicate with your daughter as often and as much as possible, answer all her questions, even if they seem ridiculous and stupid. Believe me, your daughter’s trust will more than pay off, and it will be much easier for you to survive the difficult adolescence.

Equally, psychological problems can be associated with a girl’s late puberty. If she begins to understand that at the age of 13-14 she practically does not experience the same changes that her friends and classmates experience, then she may begin to experience discomfort and worry. A girl may begin to feel extremely awkward in the company of her peers, and develop a strong inferiority complex, feeling worse than everyone else.

In this situation, only constant confidential communication with the daughter can help; she needs to explain everything and periodically remind her that this is normal, and the girl’s puberty is simply inevitable. Mom can use herself as an example, even if she has to slightly embellish the reality. In especially difficult cases, if the daughter does not make contact and the mother cannot cope, we advise you to contact a child psychologist. Do not ignore the problem, because such psychological traumas are quite strong, and an acquired inferiority complex can poison a girl’s existence for the rest of her life.

The sexual development of girls may well have different variations, and not only with age. Sometimes the appearance of hair can vary significantly in its sequence. Usually, breast growth and development occurs first, then pubic hair appears, and armpit hair appears last. However, in some cases, hairs appear in the armpits first, but other signs are not yet noticeable. Sometimes hair appears on the genitals first, and then all other signs.

Also, doctors noticed one pattern - the earlier a girl’s puberty began, the faster it proceeds, and, conversely, the later a girl’s puberty began, the longer the process takes. For example, in a girl who started puberty at the age of 9, its duration is no more than one and a half years, while its onset in a 14-year-old girl will last about two and a half years.

Therefore, support your princess, be that as it may, because the most important period in her life is happening now. She is about to turn from a girl into a girl, and then into a woman, and soon she will take on your role - the role of a mother.

A little more about what a girl’s puberty is and her puberty: