Puberty
What changes and in what order, handling a first period, and what puberty looks like for boys.
- 1What changes, and in what orderPuberty in girls usually starts between 8 and 13 with breast buds. Body hair and a growth spurt follow, and a first period comes about two years after breasts start to grow.
- 2The first periodA first period is often light and brownish. Cycles can be irregular for a few years. Pads, tampons, cups and period underwear are all safe; the right one is whichever feels comfortable.
- 3Puberty for boysBoys' puberty usually starts between 9 and 14, about two years after girls'. The testicles grow first, then body hair, a deeper voice and a big growth spurt. Breast swelling and wet dreams are common and normal.
- 4For parents and loved onesMost girls learn about periods from their parents and trust them most. Talk early, keep it plain and calm, include boys, and take pain and heavy bleeding seriously.
- QuizA short quiz on this section. Try again for new questions.
Where can I learn more?
- Cleveland Clinic: Puberty
- ACOG Committee Opinion 651: Menstruation in girls and adolescents, using the menstrual cycle as a vital sign
- Menstrual health education: school health curriculum topics by grade level, J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2025
- ACOG: Your first gynecologic visit
- NHS: Starting your periods
- NHS: Early or delayed puberty
- Cleveland Clinic: Menarche (first period)
- Cleveland Clinic: Toxic shock syndrome
- Cleveland Clinic: Hymen
- UNICEF: How to talk to your daughter about periods
- Wellbeing of Women: "Just a Period" survey results
- Cleveland Clinic: Testosterone
- Cleveland Clinic: Sperm