Age That Girls Reach Puberty

Hi Michele E,
I was 6 1/2 when I started growing breasts and got pubic hair. I started my period at 8. So every kid is different. My middle sister was 9 when she got her period. My younger sister was 16 before she got hers so don't worry. If you need to talk let me know. M. Petersen
____@____.com

Check to see (or ask her) if she has an pubic hair, hair under her armpits, or breast buds (which can be just a slight swelling or englargement of the nipple in early puberty). These are the first obvious physical signs of puberty - if she doesn't exhibit any of these physical manifestations, she really hasn't begun yet.

It is true that girls can hit puberty around 8-16. I started at age 13. Puberty also depends on the child's diet too. For example, vegetarians and vegans hit puberty later because they do not consume meat products or as much dairy, this means less consumption of the added hormones given to livestock. So really, the most accurate way to know if your daughter is reaching puberty is looking out for the "normal" signs such as development of the chest, and hair in "odd places".

M. *~

Your MIL could be right! My daughter was 9 going on 10 when she first had hers. She was involved with cheerleading at the time and so she was pretty active. I am not sure what exactly the factors are for the early start, but they are trying to say it's the hormones in our food and milk these days. I am 37, and I had mine in the 5th grade (age 10). So maybe it has something to do with the female family history.

If it is puberty, don't sweat it. You'll just have to talk to her openly about it. Good Luck!

Hi Michele,

I have noticed that girls in particular are reaching puberty at younger and younger ages. When my son was in third grade (8 years old), there were several girls in his class who were already fully developed! There are lots of theories about this, but the ones that I find particularly concerning are related to the amounts of hormones in the foods that we eat (as a result of animals being fed hormones to foster growth -- all dairy and meat products) as well as the link between chemicals/toxins in the home (found in our everyday consumable products) with all kinds of growth and reproductive abnormalities, including early puberty. A Google search in these two areas will give you lots of food for thought. Hope that helps.

Hi Michelle,

I've been right where you are. Seems they're growing up too fast! I've worked with elementary school children and one of the first, obvious signs is body ordor. Some parents won't want to admit that there child is old enough to need it -- many do! Plus, adolescence is different for each child. Mine started at about 9. Finally convinced her to wear the deo but it took a long time before she started her period. She was very touchy and moody for almost 3 years (sorry) and we fought like cats and dogs. Tears and raised voices, and trying to slam the door (we ended that straight away). I think it's so hard on moms because our girls used to come to us for everything. Now they think we're dumber than a bucket of hair. We grow apart, usually because I'm pushing for time with her...the letting go process has proven very difficult for me. I've finally made her explain my side of the situation. I asked her if she had lived to be a mom and it was over so fast, and I mourn that time. I'm not ready to let her go...I'm not finished with her yet! I think things have been better since she knows why I do what I do. She's very patient, but we both know these next 2 years will be the "goodbye" transition years. I don't even like the thought of it. So keep all this in mind Michele. Embrace puberty, adolescence, young adult. Treasure those memories and know that this will all pass SO quickly!

Best of luck to you Michelle. I am so sorry I dumped all my stuff on you! I haven't had anybody to talk to about this that understands. My husband sure doesn't (he returned to work about 3 days after she was born). His routine will not change at all. My whole life will change and I'm a little scared and I guess a tiny bit curious.

Thanks for ,listening and good look with your little darlin'.

V. T

Michele, don't worry unnecessarily! There is such a wide range of ages for the onset of puberty. My eldest daughter, 18, started to show breast development at age 8 1/2, but didn't get her period until age 12 1/2 (which is, I believe, the average age). My youngest daughter is nearly 14, has the teeniest breasts and is nowhere near having her period. The breast development can go on for quite a few years before the onset of menses. A girl has to have all her pubic hair before she can get her period, so if your daughter has nothing going on in that department I wouldn't worry about her getting her period anytime soon. As far as moodiness is concerned...good luck! My eldest was a pain in the neck for years!! Just coming out of it at age 18.

I am in the same boat with my daughter age 9 1/2. It started about the time she turned nine. She has been getting a lot of mood swings and attitude. She also has developed B.O. and a little underarm hair. I was quite surprised because she is actually small for her age. I have started teaching her about hygiene and she uses deoderant now. I found two books that are awsome by American Girls. One is the body book, which discusses everything from nutrition, to how to wash your hair, to getting your period. We also got the Feelings book. Good luck!

The age that girls reach puberty has been decreasing. Your MIL's information is not outdated or inaccurate, but perhaps a bit broadly defined.

Genetics can play a role in the age of puberty onset, diet, activity level and many other factors. I've seen research stating that obese girls will reach puberty earlier. The age that you or other female family members started puberty will give you a clue when your daughter might.

Here is a link from the National Institutes of Health:

http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/Puberty.cfm

Here is some information from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

http://aapgrandrounds.aappublications.org/cgi/content/ext...

http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/19/3/...

My daughter started puberty at 8. She didn't start getting moody until 12. She has yet to start her period. I myself started at 10, and didn't start mensration util almost 14. Some say overweight girls start puberty early because the weight gain triggers it. One dr I asked said it was true. Although that may be true, my daughter didn't start gaining excess weight until AFTER she started puberty. Anyway, moodiness can also be contributed to lack of nutrition, especially if starting puberty. Try to keep her from processed foods, eat more fruits and veggies, fiber, good protein, and plenty of water.

Dear Michele,

One good indication is to think back to how old you were when your puberty began. It is not exact, but is an indication. Also, www.drgreen.com may have some information about it. Puberty begins lots earlier these days because of the better nutrition that we receive - or they receive. That is a general trend all over the world - in nations that have adequate food for the people.

Moodiness does go with the territory, both genetically and with puberty. My whole family tends toward being depressed - aunts and siblings - so we have learned to handle it. It came from both sides of our family - so we got a double dose. It hasn't hurt our lives, I think that it has made us more understanding of other people. ..and made us realize that we have a job to do with our own selves to read and learn about depression. So, it isn't really bad, it is the way that you handle it.

P.S. you can't just say - stop being moody either - be understanding and respectful of her feelings, after all she is a little girl and needs her mother now more than ever. Talk to her like you wanted to be talked with when you were a little girl.

C. N.

My daughter was in the sixth grade. 11 years of age. Hers started with constant headaches. By 7th grade everything hit like a tun of bricks. I had to teach her about being so fresh and so clean throughout the school day and how to keep the boys away from her developing breast. AUUUUGGGGGGG!

hi when i was just 3 I started hitting puberty