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When Does Puberty Start?

When Does Puberty Start?-dp

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At school, suddenly everyone is talking about periods and your friends can't stop talking about their experiences. But you are waiting and waiting as there seems to be no sign of your puberty's arrival. When is it going to hit you? That is all you think about.

key is to sit back, relax, and wait for your body to respond

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Well, the key is to sit back, relax, and wait for your body to respond while you continue to engage with your friends. There is no reason to fret as everybody's biological clock functions differently. As long as you keep this in mind and learn more about puberty and how it affects your body, you will be all right. Read on.

1.	[What is puberty](#link1)
2.	[Beginning of puberty](#link2)
3.	[First signs of puberty in girls](#link3)
4.	[Factors that determine the start of puberty](#link4)


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image-1What is Puberty?

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<h2 class="bluetext text19">What is Puberty?</h2>

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Puberty is a normal part of growing up. Every child goes through puberty as a way to become physically mature. It is a process of growing into an adult and is driven by hormonal changes that happen in the body. It is experienced differently by boys and girls. The only major addition is that, in girls, puberty also signals the [beginning of menstruation](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/period-symptoms-signs-you-are-getting-your-period "beginning of menstruation").

Beginning of Puberty

image-2 Beginning of Puberty

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<h2 class="bluetext text19">Beginning of Puberty</h2>

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Girls are likely to hit puberty between the ages of 8 years and 13 years.  However, sometimes it can also start outside this window, which is again a normal occurrence known as [delayed puberty](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/puberty/symptoms-and-causes-of-delayed-puberty "delayed puberty"). The entire puberty process can last up to 4 years, after which you biologically enter womanhood. 

Girls are likely to hit puberty between the ages of 8 years and 13 years. However, sometimes it can also start outside this window, which is again a normal occurrence. 

What Are the First Signs of Puberty in a Girl?

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<h2 class="bluetext text19">What Are the First Signs of Puberty in a Girl?</h2>

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As you near puberty, you will notice that your body undergoes several changes. Notably, importantly you will notice [development of breast buds](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/puberty/breast-development-during-puberty "development of breast buds") that feel hard when touched and experience hair growth in different parts of your body. It is also during this time that your vagina and uterus undergo development.

Other signs to look out for include:

- 	Growing taller and heavier
-   Appearance of acne on the face, neck, and back
- 	Build-up of fat on thighs and hips
- 	Body odour
-  	Release of excessive oil on the skin (especially on the face)
-   Hair growth around the genitals and underarms and dense hair growth on hands     and legs
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Factors That Determine the Start of Puberty

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<h2 class="bluetext text19">Factors That Determine the Start of Puberty</h2>

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Since puberty is a natural process, it can be influenced by several other factors such as heredity, lifestyle, body structure and weight, and diet. Let's look at two of the most important factors to watch out for:

__Heredity__ - The age of puberty for girls can depend on heredity. Most girls start puberty around the same age as their mothers. You can ask you mama, elder sister, or other females in your family to get a better idea. It is likely that you too will start puberty around the same age.

Puberty is a natural process, it can be influenced by several other factors such as heredity, lifestyle, body structure and weight, and diet. 

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__Bodyweight__ - The weight of your body could determine your [puberty age](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/puberty/puberty-stages-every-girl-should-know-about). Generally, thin girls are likely to start their menstrual cycle late than average (which is 13 years). Girls who are overweight may begin their periods earlier than usual. Since this is your body's natural way of responding, you do not have to feel conscious or strange about your weight and its effect on puberty. 

Now that you have a fair idea about puberty, it is time to focus on other important things in life. Your body knows when you are ready to transcend, so leave puberty to it. Meanwhile, why not check out the range of ALWAYS feminine care products like [sanitary pads](/sanitary-pads), [panty liners](/panty-liners) and [tampons](https://always-africa.com/en-za/tampons) to prepare for your upcoming puberty phase and enjoy it with comfort and ease?

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Stay well prepared for your next period by tracking it on Always [Menstrual Cycle Calculator](/period-calculator).

__FAQ's__<br><br>

<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">1. At what age does puberty start?</h2>
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On average, puberty starts between the age of 8 to 13 in females. However, in some cases, one might experience puberty outside this time frame which is also common. Do speak to your doctor if you have concerns regarding the onset of puberty. 
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">2. What determines the start of puberty in females?</h2>
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Factors like diet, heredity, and body weight tend to determine the start of puberty in females.  It's best to have a word with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the onset of puberty. 
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">3. What are the first signs of puberty in a female?</h2>
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The first signs of puberty in a female include breast development, the appearance of acne, body odour, pubic hair, and hair growth in the armpits. 

Disclaimer

Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers.

<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">Disclaimer</h2>

When do girls start puberty? Here is your guide on what are the first signs of puberty in a girl. Read on to know all about puberty age and puberty symptoms to watch out for.

When Does Puberty Start?

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