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Puberty

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Added November 21, 2011

When Does Puberty Start?

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Puberty can start when you're 7 or not until you're 13, but it usually starts when you're 10. The process can take anywhere between 1½–4 years. Generally, girls can expect their first period about 2–3 years after the first signs of breast development.

Here are some clues that will help determine when you will get your period and begin puberty:

Heredity—ask your mother or other female relative how old she was when she had her first period. You'll probably get yours at the same age. (Note: Doctors have found that the age of puberty is about a year younger now than it was for your mother's age group.)
Race—African-American girls usually show signs of puberty—a bit earlier than Caucasian girls.
Weight—very thin girls begin to menstruate a bit later; heavier girls may begin early.

Girls who develop earlier than most of their friends often feel "weird" or self-conscious. That's normal. But girls who develop later than most also feel strange—kind of left out of the club. Remember, eventually all girls get to be young women in their own time.

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comments so far

basketball and softball lover

Posted February 17, 2013

i love harry styles <3 <3 <3 <3

iloveharrystyles

Posted August 16, 2012

who loves one direction?

PLH36

Posted July 16, 2012

I started puberty when I was 8. I was pretty early. Weird thing is I'm really skinny I'm 75 lbs. and already started my period at 11 and 28 days on June 26th. I was just about the same age as my mom just a little younger. I'm one of the only girls who has her period so it makes me feel very strange and different but I know I'm just developing faster.

diamondlover101

Posted June 30, 2012

i am african american and i am very thin, but i am an early bloomer, i guess it is different for everybody!

Pikachu12

Posted June 14, 2012

@bubblypenguin :it looks like a white stain in your panties. once it starts you'll probably get your period in 2-3 years, so once you see it carry some protection with you just in case.

bubblypenguin

Posted June 03, 2012

I THINK i may be starting to get some discharge...im not sure...but im really scared about my period...can anyone tell me kind of what discharge looks like? im not sure.

Starlightstarbright2

Posted April 29, 2012

I started mine at 13 0_o . Can yu say embarrased !

Kiwi^^

Posted May 05, 2012

I started sweating under my arms at 10, followed by pubic hair, curves, and then a month before I turned 14 I started my period. It's different for every girl, my oldest sister started her period when she was almost 14 too, but my older sister started at 12. I look and act more like my oldest sister, so maybe that might give you a hint.