Adolescent Physical Development
Female
This handout describes adolescent female physical development. If you have any questions or concerns after you read this information, please feel welcome to call the clinic. The phone number is listed on the last page of this handout.
When Does This All Happen?
Sometime between the ages of eight and thirteen, your body will start to change. This time of growing and change is called puberty. This process often takes 3-4 years to complete. Some girls start puberty much earlier than others. Most girls find it helpful to understand the stages.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
When does acne (pimples) start?
You will likely notice your skin getting oily during the late part of stage two. (See charts on next pages.) During stage three you can expect your sweat glands to become active, too. You will probably need to wash more often to keep your skin clean at this stage.
My breasts are just starting to grow and sometimes they really hurt. Is that normal?
Yes. While you are developing, your breasts may seem tender or achy, especially when bumped or hit.
One of my breasts looks bigger than the other. Will I always be uneven?
Maybe. It is normal for fully developed women to have a slight difference in the size of their breasts. This may be more noticeable while your breasts are growing.
I have a few hairs near the nipples on my chest. Does this mean I have the wrong hormones?
No. Many females have a few hairs on or around their breasts. It is important not to pluck these hairs. Plucking could cause an infection.
My periods started eight months ago and my breasts look like stage 5 development. My breasts have never looked like the stage four shape. Is something wrong?
No. Many girls never have breasts shaped like the stage four breast or may pass through this stage quickly. Others have the stage four shape for many years. All of these patterns of growth are normal.
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Breast Growth |
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Stage One |
Stage Two |
Stage Three |
Stage Four |
StageFive |
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No increase in breast size. |
Small mound of breast begins to grow. Areola* begins to grow larger in diameter. |
Breast and areola grow larger. |
Areola grows larger and becomes a second mound on top of breast tissue. Shape is no longer smooth. |
Breast is adult shape and size. Shape is smooth again. |
*Areola - the darker pink or tan part of the breast around the nipple.
stage 2 stage 3 stage 4 stage 5
When will I have to start to shave my underarm?
Underarm hair most often begins to grow in stage four, near the time your periods start. The decision to shave or not to shave is your own personal choice.
When will my menstrual period start?
Most girls have their first period during stage four. Your periods may be quite irregular for the first two years. Usually your period starts about 2 years after your breasts first start to develop. A girl can become pregnant around Stage 3 or 4, even if she has not started her first period.
How tall will I grow?
Height depends on a number of factors including the height of your parents. Your rapid growth spurt starts in stage two, slows down in stage four, and is almost complete in stage five. Usually girls don't grow more than 2-3 inches after menstruation starts.
Do boys grow in stages during puberty too?
Yes. The height spurt starts in stage two and continues through stage 5 for both males and females. However, most boys start puberty later than girls, and keep on growing after the girls have stopped.
STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT
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Hair Growth |
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Stage One |
Stage Two |
Stage Three |
Stage Four |
Stage Five |
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No pubic hair. |
Pubic hair begins to grow. Usually light in color, straight or slightly curly. |
Pubic hair is darker, curlier and covers center of pubic area. |
Pubic hair is thicker. Covers large triangle shaped area. |
Pubic hair is thick, dark, and curly. Covers all of pubic area and may begin to grow on thighs. |
Phone Numbers
If you questions about puberty, or any other concerns, you can call (608) 263-9000 and ask to speak to the nurse from the Teen Clinic.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 08/05/2009
Copyright © 01/21/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4343
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