Hesperian Health Guides
Changes in Your Body (Puberty)
HealthWiki > Where Women Have No Doctor > Chapter 5: Health Concerns of Girls > Changes in Your Body (Puberty)
Growing. Your first change will probably be that you grow taller. For a while, you may grow taller than the boys your age.
Body changes. Besides getting taller, your body will begin to change in other ways. Natural chemicals in the body called hormones tell your body to make these changes happen.
| Changes in your body during puberty | |
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Changes during puberty do not all happen at the same time or in the same order.
Inside your body. There are other changes that you cannot see. The womb (uterus), tubes, ovaries, and vagina all grow and allow you to have a child. Whether or not you want to have children, after puberty your body will be ready to.
What you feel. These changes can make you more aware of your body. You may feel sexually or emotionally attracted to other people for the first time. You may also feel more understood and accepted by your friends than by your parents and family. It is common to feel strong emotions like joy, anger, sadness, or worry in the days before your menstrual period begins.
Your menstrual period (monthly bleeding)
Your menstrual period is a sign that you can become pregnant. Nobody can know exactly when they will have their first menstrual period. It usually happens after your breasts and the hair on your body start to grow. Several months before your first menstrual period, you may notice wetness coming from your vagina. It can stain your underclothes. This is normal.
You may be happy when you have your first menstrual period, especially if you know what to expect. Someone who was never told about it often worries when the bleeding starts. Most people with a womb and vagina will eventually get a period. Whether or not you want to celebrate having your period, do not let anyone make you think it is dirty or shameful.
Caring for yourself during your menstrual period
More Information
your menstrual cycleStaying clean. You can buy or make sanitary pads of folded cloth or wads of cotton to catch the blood as it leaves the vagina. They stay in place with a belt or by attaching to your underwear. Pads should be changed several times each day, and washed well with soap and water if they are to be used again.
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| tampon |
You can also put something inside your vagina that you buy or make from cotton, cloth, or a sponge. These are called tampons. If you use tampons, be sure to change them at least 3 times each day. Leaving one in longer can cause a serious infection.
Wash the outside of your genitals with water each day to remove any blood. Use a mild soap if you can.
Activities. You can continue all regular activities, like going to school, work, play, and the local market and cooking meals.
It is healthy to bathe and stay clean during your menstrual period. |
Excercise may reduce the pain that can come with your menstrual period. |
