Puberty

Physical changes involve the development of different sexual characteristics. These changes tend to happen in an orderly fashion. They can take place over a span of 2 to 8 years. The exact process is unique to each individual girl. A brief outline of these characteristics follows:

The first sign of puberty, in most girls, is breast development. Second is the appearance of pubic hair. Third is the linear growth spurt (height) and hair growth in the armpits. Last is the beginning of the menstrual cycle with the first episode of periodic menstrual bleeding (menarche). In America, the average age for a girl to have her first menstrual period is 12 years old.

Sources:
Danforth's Obstetrics & Gynecology, 8th Edition. Editors Scott JR, et al. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Philadelphia. 1999.

Gynecologic Pearls. 2nd Edition. Benson, MD. F. A. Davis Company. Philadelphia. 2000.

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