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Puberty is that episode in development when a child develops into an adolescent with the physical ability to reproduce. For girls these changes include:-
Breast development. The first sign of breast development (the 'thelarche') is enlargement of the nipples around the age of 11years (normal range 9-14). Full breast development takes about four years but may last as long as nine years. Frequently, one breast may seem to enlarge faster than the other although generally nature will ensure that they are e Qual when fully developed.
Pubic hairs start to show around the time of breast development and the axillary (armpit) hair follows about two years after the pubic hair.
The various parts of the vulva (Figure 2.2) and the vagina slowly enlarge during puberty.
Figure 2.2
A growth spurt in height around the age of ten or eleven. Typically they grow between 6 and 12 cm a year for two years. This growth spurt stops with only one or two more centimetres being added yearly and then stopping by the age of fifteen or sixteen.
The menarche, which is the first period, is the most
obvious landmark in puberty tending to occur about 30 months
after the first signs of breast development and is therefore
seen at any time between 10 and 16.
Please click on the required question.
- Q 5. 1 Our baby has had a little vaginal bleeding. Is this worrying?
- Q 5. 2 What are intersex states?
- Q 5. 3 Our toddler does not seem to have a normal opening down below. What should be done?
- Q 5. 4 My little girl has a vaginal discharge. What might be the cause?
- Q 5. 5 What is puberty?
- Q 5. 6 What is precocious puberty?
- Q 5.7 Our teenage daughter's periods have not started yet. When should we seek medical advice?
- Q 5. 8 Our daughter's periods are occurring infrequently. Should we be concerned?
- Q 5. 9 What is adolescence?
- Q 5. 10 What is acne and how can acne be treated?
- Q 5. 11 Our teenage daughter seems to have more body hair than we would expect. What should be done?
- Q 5. 12 Our teenage daughter's periods are so heavy that she has to be absent from school. What can we do?
- Q 5. 13 How does the doctor determine the treatment of heavy periods for an adolescent?
- Q 5. 14 How long should treatment of heavy periods be continued with an adolescent?
- Q 5. 15 Should a D and C (cervical dilatation and curettage Q 24.12) be performed for an adolescent with period problems?
- Q 5. 16 Are there any particular worries about a teen pregnancy?
- Q 5. 17 What should be the purpose of sex education?
- Q 5.18 My adolescent daughter is being difficult. Could she have an underlying hormone problem?
- Q 5. 19 Are there any special contraceptive considerations for teenagers?
- Q 5. 20 What contraceptive options are available to adolescents?
- Q 5. 21 Are there any medical worries if a young teenager takes the oral contraceptive pill?
- Q 5. 22 Can a teenager use emergency contraception?
- Q 5. 23 Where can I obtain more information?
- Q 5. 24 Could I have some child support groups and teen support groups?
- Q 5. 25 Could I have some acne support groups?
DISCLAIMER
The aim of this web site is to provide a general guide and it is not intended as a substitute for a consultation with an appropriate specialist in respect of individual care and treatment.
