Puberty in girls, physical and psychological changes
Puberty usually begins earlier in girls, and a series of gradual physical and psychological changes take place.
The adolescence begins with puberty, and is supposed to be the way of transition from childhood to adulthood , change can best be recognized in the girls because girls are no longer to begin to become women. It is a stage that is characterized by the appearance of anatomical and physiological changes that occur in the body and that are usually progressive. The first changes usually appear earlier in girls , around 10-11 years, while in boys they begin later , between 12-13 years. However, we must bear in mind that each individual is different and the changes may appear before or after the indicated ages.
The physiological changes that occur during puberty are accompanied by psychological changes that will be linked to emotional and social growth. At this stage, young people begin to mature emotionally and sexually , improving their personal knowledge.
In general, the puberty period appears about two years earlier in girls than in boys, although it lasts approximately four years in both sexes.
Index
PHYSICAL CHANGES DURING PUBERTY:
During puberty, the production of the female hormone estrogen increases. This hormone is one of those responsible for the girls’ body to begin to mature, that is, it is responsible for the appearance of female secondary sexual characteristics . In addition, it is related to sexual desire and during ovulation its secretion increases.
Sexual development:
– The first growth of the breast occurs in women, highlighting the nipples. It is normal for this change to cause tenderness and pain in the area.
– Normally, menstruation begins around the age of 12, but can start before or after this age (between 9 and 16 years). It is also normal for discharge to appear for several months before girls start their period or period. Ultimately, girls acquire reproductive capacity when they begin with the first menstruation .
Hair growth, acne and sweating:
Increased levels of hormones during puberty can cause:
– Hair growth in the armpits and legs. In addition, pubic hair appears that at first is fine, but over time it darkens and can become thicker.
– More oily skin with the appearance of acne .
– Increased sweating that produces a more intense body odor .
Weight and height:
– Increases body weight in girls, especially in certain areas: breasts, abdomen, hips and thighs, as well as an increase in body fat that gives shape to the body.
– There is significant growth in height during the early stages of puberty, which can start earlier in girls than in boys.
PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES DURING PUBERTY
All these physical changes are linked to psychological changes that have to do with their way of thinking, understanding and experiencing . Early maturation, accompanied by menstruation, may not be welcome in girls who suffer from it, and they may even try to hide their most visible external signs for fear of attracting attention, growing or becoming too fat.
During this stage, curiosity to know the world that surrounds the adolescent increases , putting into question any topic they know or learn since they begin to form their own opinions and tend to be more critical of aspects such as family, love, friends, etc.
In addition to bodily growth, at this stage the search for one’s own identity begins , and questions such as who am I? How am I? It is then when the first desires to become independent from the family are generated, to carry out activities or plans in which the circle of equals? Friends? .
The peer group becomes the group with which adolescents feel most identified, giving them the role that the family previously had. Friends are the main support with which to share all kinds of experiences and experiences. Likewise, they feel sufficient freedom to express themselves without fear of being judged or being evaluated.
Feelings of acceptance in your reference group are closely related to idealized views about attractiveness and physical beauty, which implies a greater concern for physical appearance and self-image. What can cause low self-esteem in those girls who have not had the first menstruation, feeling inferior to other girls who have already acquired a certain level of sexual and body development.
Puberty is also characterized by the self-centeredness of adolescents. They feel that they are the center of attention and that there is nothing more important than themselves, because they are beginning to discover and understand themselves. In addition, they tend to feel any emotion that appears in different situations more intensely, since during puberty the brain tries to adjust the bodily and psychological changes that occur.
CONSEQUENCES OF THE EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRAIN IN THE WAY OF THINKING
During adolescence, the brain tends to function differently from adults when it comes to solving problems, generating alternatives, and making decisions. Therefore, adolescents tend to react and behave impulsively , acting before thinking in most cases. They tend to misinterpret social and emotional signals, and do not consider the consequences of their actions, so it is very difficult for them to modify risk behaviors. Although at this stage, they acquire the ability to reason in a more complex way and better express their feelings, thus increasing their emotional intelligence.
HOW DO YOU TALK TO YOUR DAUGHTER DURING THIS PERIOD OF CHANGE?
Usually girls are worried and lost when they begin to notice the physical development they experience. They will tend to compare themselves with other girls, so it is important to be aware and start a conversation at a time where both mother and daughter are calm and in a good mood. It is important to explain to your daughter that puberty has different stages of change and not all girls are in the same stage, and that her developmental rate is right for her.
You also need to provide information about the changes your body undergoes, trying to offer solutions to your body odor, acne and menstrual periods. Your daughter may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable, to talk about her sexual development , therefore it is essential to provide her with the necessary confidence so that she can go to the mother whenever she needs it.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.