How to know when puberty has started
Here’s some news: the first sign of puberty is not a period. That might surprise you as when we think of puberty we tend to first think of menstruation! In reality, puberty will start up to two years before you see the signs of your first period’s arrival. The hormones in your body will kick off some physical changes ahead of setting up the brain and ovaries connection needed for you to begin having menstrual cycles.
During this time, there’s a lot going on, so don’t feel worried if some changes haven’t happened yet for you or if changes don’t seem to be happening in the exact order you’ve read about or in the way things are changing for your friends.
Everyone’s experience of puberty is a little different and that comes down to all kinds of reasons, from genetics passed along from your parents to your current lifestyle. If you ever feel you are experiencing something that you are concerned about, talk to a trusted adult or your doctor.
The first sign of puberty is breast buds: how it starts
The first sign of puberty is breast buds. This is when your breasts are just starting to grow. In science it’s called “thelarche.” At first this will feel like a small, disc shape, rubbery-feeling lump under your nipple.
These will start at about the size of a five cent coin. One nipple might have this at first, but not the other. It’s normal for breasts to develop at different times. After breast buds, you will notice some puffiness around that area. Your nipple may stick out more than it did before.
A lot of teens worry at this time that the breast lump is a sign of something scary like breast cancer. Breast cancer is not something that happens to tweens and teens. If you’re eight years old and above (although you may be a little younger when this starts or older like ten) then the lump beneath your nipple is breast budding and a totally normal sign of puberty beginning for you.
You may want to talk to your parent or guardian about shopping for a bra at this time, or you may want to wait a while. You may just want to wear a soft, cotton sports bra at first as this may feel more comfortable.
Breast budding: what happens next
Once you notice breast buds you may begin to notice some tenderness or discomfort in the area, too. Your nipples may feel very sensitive, making you want to avoid irritating or rough fabrics or tight shirts.
The areola or darker skin area around your nipple will get bigger and may have some little lumps and bumps on the surface, might get darker, and may even grow small hairs.
As your breasts continue to grow, one may stay bigger than the other for a while but eventually they mostly even out (although it’s not uncommon to have breasts that look slightly different from one another). You may find you have lots of breast growth early on, or just a little, and then a bigger growth spurt in later years. Don’t assume your breasts have stopped developing or that they will just keep growing and growing! It’s very likely your own breasts will grow on a different timeline from your best friend or even your sister.
Once you get your first period and start experiencing menstrual cycles, this is when your breasts may change in shape or grow larger again. You may even notice they look or feel different depending on if you are about to get your period or if your period is now over. Before your period they may be sore, tender or sensitive. This happens because the hormones that are created as part of your menstrual cycle cause your breast tissue to change too.
Puberty: what other body changes to expect
Around the same time you notice your breast buds you may also notice pubic hair, which is hair appearing around your vulva area. Usually this will start slow but get thicker, darker, and more curly or coarse as time goes on. You may also notice hair growing in your armpits.
You will probably experience a big growth spurt where you get a lot taller and need new clothes.
Remember, everyone goes through puberty and it’s nothing to feel worried about. Your body is working hard to build your body, your brain, and make you even more you!
