Signs of puberty

While puberty changes don't happen all at once, chances are your daughter's already started to go through some of them. It can take months or years for all of these changes to happen, but you may already have noticed she's beginning to:

- Grow taller

- Grow broader (her hips, in particular, will grow wider)

- Develop breasts

- Possibly have oily hair and skin; pimples may develop

- Develop body odor as she begins to sweat more

- Begin growing hair on her underarms, legs, and in the pubic area

- Have an increase in body fat (While you need to work with your doctor if you have concerns about her weight, remember that women naturally have more body fat than young girls.)

- Have vaginal discharge

- Start menstruating

Read article: What's Happening to My Body?

When will her period start?

Although girls are getting their period at an earlier age these days, anywhere between 9 and 16 years old is normal. Want to take away some of the guesswork?

Expect her period:

• About two years after her breasts start to develop
• After pubic hair begins growing
• Following the start of vaginal discharge

Read article: When Will I Get It?