Puberty can feel confusing, uncomfortable and sometimes overwhelming - especially when changes happen quickly or feel different from what’s happening to your friends. Bodies grow and change in ways that aren’t always explained clearly which can sometimes lead to teens worrying if there is something ‘wrong’ or not normal with their body.
The truth is puberty looks different for everyone. There is no single timeline and puberty happens at different times and pace for everyone so be assured that if you haven’t got your period but your friends have that is completely normal!
Keep reading as we explain what happens to the body during puberty, why these changes occur, how they connect to periods and how to move through this stage with confidence and understanding.
What Is Puberty?
Puberty is the stage of development when a child’s body begins changing into an adult body. These changes are driven by hormones and usually begin sometime between ages 8 and 14, though starting earlier or later can still be completely normal. Puberty prepares the body for adulthood, but it happens gradually over several years rather than all at once.
The Role of Hormones in Puberty
Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream and tell different parts of the body what to do.
During puberty, the brain signals the body to release hormones such as Oestrogen, Progesterone and / or Testosterone
These hormones affect:
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Growth
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Body shape
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Skin
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Hair
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Emotions
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The reproductive system
Because hormone levels rise and fall during puberty, physical and emotional changes can feel unpredictable at times which is completely normal but worth being aware of.
When Does Puberty Start?
There is no single age when puberty “should” begin. Some people start noticing changes as early as 8 or 9, while others don’t notice much until 12 or 13. Genetics play a large role with many people finding puberty timing is similar to that of parents or siblings.
Common Physical Changes During Puberty
Breast Development
Breast development is often one of the first visible signs of puberty for girls and it can begin years before they get their first period.
Breasts may:
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Start as small, tender bumps
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Grow unevenly (one breast often develops faster than the other)
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Feel sore at times
Uneven growth is extremely common and usually evens out over time.
Growth Spurts
Many people experience rapid height increases during puberty. Arms and legs may grow before the rest of the body catches up, which can feel awkward but if you look around you, chances are many of your classmates are also experiencing something similar.
Changes in Body Shape
As puberty progresses in girls, body fat distribution changes.
You might notice:
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Wider hips
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A softer belly
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Thighs or hips changing shape
These changes are normal and healthy.
Body Hair Growth
You might notice that hair is growing in places it previously didn’t including under your arms and in your pubic area. The hairs on your arms and legs might also get darker or thicker.
Hair growth varies widely between individuals and cultures. While some people remove hair in certain areas, like under their arms - it’s a personal choice and something that is good to discuss in advance with a parent or trusted adult. Remember it’s your body and you are in control of it.
Skin Changes and Acne
Hormonal changes can increase oil production in the skin, which may lead to acne. Acne is extremely common during puberty and does not mean poor hygiene. A gentle skin care routine and patience often help. While acne will usually improve over time if it is worrying you or getting worse, talk to your doctor.
Sweating and Body Odour
Sweat glands become more active during puberty and while sweat itself doesn’t smell, when it interacts with bacteria on the skin an odour can start to develop which is why deodorant
Discharge: It’s Completely Normal
One of the most confusing changes for many preteens is vaginal discharge. For some it seems to appear quite suddenly and many are not sure what it is or what it means.
Discharge is usually:
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White or clear
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Odourless or mild-smelling
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Sticky or slippery
It often begins months or years before a first period and is a sign that the body is preparing for menstruation. Discharge is normal and healthy and not a sign of infection.
How Puberty Connects to Periods
Periods usually begin once the body has gone through the stages of puberty discussed above. But it’s important to know that the changes you go through during puberty aren’t all physical.
Emotional Changes During Puberty
Puberty affects emotions as much as it affects the body. Hormones influence brain chemistry, which can lead to:
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Mood swings
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Increased sensitivity
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Feeling self-conscious
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Strong reactions to small things
These emotional changes are not a personality flaw or a sign you are going crazy. They are part of the brain learning how to manage new hormone levels so it’s important to be kind to yourself and talk to those around you about how you are feeling.
Feeling Different From Others
One of the hardest parts of puberty is comparison.
You might feel:
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Ahead of friends
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Behind friends
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Different in ways that feel uncomfortable
It’s important to remember that bodies are not meant to develop in sync. Difference does not equal something being wrong but also that talking through your worries and concerns is always valid and will often help you feel reassured.
Supporting Your Body Through Puberty
Choosing comfortable clothes, underwear and period care you can rely on and trust can make a big difference during body changes. Many teens find Hello Period’s reusable period underwear helpful even before their first period starts, especially when dealing with discharge or unpredictable changes. It looks and feels like normal underwear but has an absorbent centre so if you do start your period, it will absorb it and won’t leak out. It’s designed to be so comfortable you can wear it everyday of the month!
Preparing for Periods
Being prepared for when Aunt Flo arrives is key to ensuring it’s as stress free as possible. Buying some Hello Period reusable period pads or period underwear in advance of your period starting is a great idea. It means you can try them on and learn how they work in advance so you can feel confident when your period starts. Hello Period’s underwear come in several styles and the pads have domes so you can fasten them securely to your existing underwear. As bodies change, period care needs can change too. Many teens begin with period underwear or reusable pads, then later explore other options. Hello Period also makes menstrual cups and menstrual discs, which some older teens choose once they feel comfortable with their anatomy. For swimming, Hello Period’s period swimwear provides another option so periods don’t automatically mean missing out on water-based activities.
Why Product Safety Is Important When It Comes to Period Care
Not all period products are created with the care that Hello Period put in. We don’t want inferior products for our bodies, our daughters bodies or yours! During puberty when your body is still developing and you have a lot going on, you want to make sure you are using products that are comfortable, leakproof and that make you feel confident.
Some period products have been found to contain harmful PFAS, sometimes called “forever chemicals.” These chemicals don’t break down easily and can accumulate in the body and environment.
Hello Period does not add harmful PFAS to their reusable period products. We only work with our trusted manufacturers who meet our high standards of care.
Talking About Body Changes
Talking about puberty doesn’t always come easily, but having someone to talk to helps. While you probably will get puberty education at school, it might not answer all your questions and you may not want to ask certain things in front of your classmates. Even if you have access to the internet, it’s not always a reliable source of information so we’d always recommend talking to a parent or caregiver, school nurse, teacher or your doctor if you have anything you’d like to discuss or know more about.
Reassurance for Parents and Caregivers Supporting Teens Through Puberty
It’s easy to forget the stress that the thought of puberty and what it brings was like. Every preteen or teen approaches it differently. For some it’s an anxious time, while for others they take it all in their stride.
It’s always a good idea to normalise that puberty happens at different times for different teens and assuring them if they go through changes earlier or later than some of their friends, that it is completely normal.
Other key suggestions are:
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Avoid commenting negatively on body changes
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Answer questions honestly
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Focus on health, not appearance
It’s important teens know about product options available to them when their period does arrive. Choice is key and it’s a good idea to buy options in advance so they can see firsthand what they are like and potentially try them on. Hello Period is an award-winning sustainable period care brand that offers period underwear, reusable pads, liners and menstrual cups and discs. Founded by two mothers who wanted better options for their own daughters, Hello Period offers great resources and advice for parents or caregivers wanting to prepare preteen and teens for their menstrual cycle.
Puberty Doesn’t Happen Overnight
Puberty is a process and happens gradually, often unpredictably. There is no correct order, size, shape or timeline. Understanding what’s happening to the body helps reduce fear and build confidence. With accurate information, supportive adults, and safe products, teens can move through puberty feeling informed rather than overwhelmed.
