But it's perfectly normal for puberty to begin at any point between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys. There's not usually any need to worry if puberty does not start around the average age, but it's a good idea to speak to your GP for advice if it starts before 8 or has not started by around 14.
Some girls develop breasts at a very young age but have no other signs of sexual development. A few children have pubic and armpit hair long before other signs of sexual growth. These changes in pattern usually don't mean the child has a problem, but it's a good idea to visit your doctor to find out for sure.
Girls usually begin to develop breasts and then pubic hair at around 10 or 11 years of age, but the range of normal is between 8 and 13 years old. Menstrual periods usually start around 12 to 13 years of age, but may occur earlier or later and still be normal.
When does breast development start and stop? In general, breast development begins between the ages of 8 and 13. A girl's breasts are typically fully developed by age 17 or 18. However, in some cases, breasts can continue to grow into a woman's early 20s.
Some very young girls (usually from 6 months to 3 years old) may show breast development that later disappears or may last but without other physical changes of puberty. This is called premature thelarche (thee-LAR-kee) and usually doesn't cause lasting problems.
Two of the most significant signs are: Breast development (“thelarche”) starts 2 to 3 years before the first period, often around age 8. Pubic hair development (“pubarche”) usually happens 1 to 2 years before the first period. The average age for pubarche is 11.6 years old.
The earliest sign of puberty in most girls is the development of breast "buds," nickel-sized bumps under the nipple. It is not unusual for breast growth to start on one side before the other. It's also common for breast buds to be somewhat tender or sore.
When the ovaries start to make and release (secrete) estrogen, fat in the connective tissue starts to collect. This causes the breasts to enlarge. The duct system also starts to grow. Often these breast changes happen at the same that pubic hair and armpit hair appear.
During Puberty Girls Grow Fast and Early
Unlike boys, their fastest rate of growth occurs early in puberty. They also gain more fat than boys in preparation for their menstrual cycle. They go from gaining about 5 pounds a year before puberty, to 12-23 pounds during puberty as shown below.
Pubic hair will start growing along the labia and will gradually become thicker, curlier, and cover a larger area of the vulva. In the final stages of puberty, pubic hair may grow around the top of the thighs. Females will usually begin their period roughly 2 years after their breasts have started to grow.
What You Can Do
For girls, the stages of puberty start around the age of 8. This may sound young, but we are seeing physical puberty changes start younger and younger and depending on genetics, you may even start to see puberty changes at the age of 7. The first sign of puberty for girls is breast development or breast budding.
Signs your period is about to start
Females tend to gain the most weight during two key periods: emerging adulthood (late teens to mid-20s) when life changes often disrupt habits, and midlife (around ages 45-55) during menopause due to hormonal shifts that decrease muscle and increase abdominal fat, although the rate of gain slows in later decades. While the 20s see significant overall gain, menopause brings distinct body composition changes and fat redistribution, not just scale weight.
Adrenarche is usually normal in girls who are at least 8 years old, and boys who are at least 9 years old. Even when pubic and underarm hair appear in children younger than this, it is still usually nothing to worry about, but your child does need to see their pediatrician for an exam.
Genetics play a pivotal role in determining breast size. Inherited traits from both maternal and paternal lines influence the amount of fatty tissue and glandular structures in the breasts. If larger breasts are prevalent in a family, it's likely that subsequent generations may exhibit similar characteristics.
Symptoms
Myth 1: Certain Foods Can Increase Breast Size
This idea is often perpetuated by articles and websites promoting the notion that eating certain foods, like dairy products or soy-based items, can directly impact breast size. However, scientific evidence does not support these claims.
On age alone: Age 15 1/2 to 16 1/2 for whites, age 14 1/2 to 15 1/2 for blacks. If no breast or hair development: Age 13 to 14 for whites, age 12 to 13 for blacks. If there is breast development or hair (pubic or armpit)two years after either of these started.
In Stage 4, puberty hits full stride. Between the ages of 10 and 15: Breasts continue growing, and their areola (the part that's red or darker at the nipple) forms a separate mound over the mound of breast tissue. Pubic hair is still in a triangle, and there are now too many hairs to count.
Normal Breast Buds with Onset of Puberty (age 8 or older)
Breast buds are normal, small disc-shaped rubbery lumps felt under the nipple. Age: they normally occur in 8 to 12 year old girls. They are the first sign of puberty.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are widespread in the environment also likely play a role. For example, phthalates – a class of chemicals that are common in many cosmetic and personal care products – are known to interfere with hormones. Some air pollutants are also known to disrupt the endocrine system.
Emotional changes
Emotion isn't new to girls. However, many young girls will experience a wider range of emotions when they begin puberty. Sometimes it will feel like a storm of emotions, ranging from irritability to sadness. Your daughter may experience confidence issues for the first time in her life.
Breasts. Changes to your nipples will likely be the first thing you notice (5). Most people get their first period 2–2.5 years after their breasts begin to grow (3,4). In the beginning, the small bumps on and around your nipples become raised.