When Does puberty Start
When Does Puberty Start?
So you’re waiting, but nothing’s happening. When is it going to hit? You know, puberty? When does puberty start? Puberty can begin when you're 8 or not until you're 13, but it usually starts when you're around 11.
Here are some clues that will help determine puberty age and when you will start your periods and begin puberty:
The process can take anywhere between 1 and a half to 4 years. Starting puberty earlier than 8 years old or later than 13 years old should be discussed with you doctor. Generally, girls can expect their first period about 2 years after the first signs of breast development but note that the process can vary depending to an extent on when you start it.
- Heredity: One of the ways to have an idea on when puberty might start is by checking with the family. Ask your mum or other female relative how old she was when she had her first period. You'll probably have the same puberty age as theirs.
- Race: Girls of different races show signs of puberty at different times.
- Weight: This factor plays a role in determining puberty age. Very thin girls begin to menstruate a bit later; meanwhile, heavier girls may begin earlier. Girls who develop earlier than most of their friends often feel "weird" or self-conscious. And that's normal. But girls who develop later than most also feel strange, sort of left out of the club. So, it doesn’t really matter when puberty begins as long as it is within the usual range; in that case, this requires consulting a doctor. Remember, eventually all girls become young women. You might ask “when does puberty start?” but it will start when it is – and you are – ready to.