What’s Normal During Puberty?

Posted: Oct. 1, 2004

During adolescence, your body is going through many changes that are happening at a fast pace. This time in your life when your body is changing is called puberty.

For girls, puberty usually starts between the ages of 9 and 16. Sometimes, it can start as early as 6 or 7. Puberty for boys usually starts between the ages of 13 and 15, but may start as early as age 9.

For both girls and boys, puberty takes several years. Major body changes have taken place for most girls – but not all – by the time they are 14. For boys, these changes happen at age 15 or 16.

The first sign of puberty for most girls is growing breasts. Other changes include new body hair, different body shape, and getting your period. The changes in your hormones that cause you to get your period also make you able to get pregnant and give birth.

Things to discuss with your doctor:

Signs of vaginal infections. Normal vaginal discharge has several purposes: cleaning and moistening the vagina and helping to prevent and fight infections. Although it's normal for the color, texture, and amount of vaginal fluids to vary throughout a girl's menstrual cycle, some changes in discharge may indicate a problem.

Yeast infections can cause itching in your vagina or around the outside skin of your genitals. It can also cause you to have vaginal discharge (fluid) that is thick and white (looks like cottage cheese).

There are different kinds of bacteria that normally live in your vagina without causing any problems. You can get bacterial vaginosis when too much of a certain kind of bacteria grows. Bacterial vaginosis causes a bad smell that seems “fishy,” more discharge (fluid) from your vagina than you normally have, and discharge that is gray-white and seems “milky.”

The best way to prevent these infections is good hygiene. You should shower or bathe and change your underwear every day. If you think you have abnormal discharge or are in pain, talk with an adult you trust. They have been through puberty. Together, you can decide if you should see a school nurse or a doctor about your symptoms.

PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) is a general term for infection of the lining of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or the ovaries. Most cases of PID are caused by bacteria. The most common symptoms of PID include abnormal vaginal discharge (fluid), lower stomach pain, and sometimes fever. You should see a doctor if you are in pain or have discharge that is yellow, gray or green with a strong smell. Between periods, it is normal to have a clear or whitish fluid or discharge coming from your vagina.

Breasts exams. During a checkup, your doctor should check your breasts to make sure you don’t have strange lumps or pain. Although it is common for young women to have some lumpiness in their breasts, you should still check with your doctor to see what’s normal or not normal.

Problem periods. You should talk to a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• You have not gotten your period by the age of 16
• Your period suddenly stops, and it has been three to six months and it hasn’t started again
• You are bleeding for more days than you usually bleed for (abnormal bleeding that is different from your normal menstrual periods)
• Your bleeding is very heavy (abnormal bleeding that is different from your normal menstrual periods)
• You suddenly feel sick after using tampons
• You bleed in between periods (more than just a few drops)

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health

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