Q&A for How to Tell if You Have Started Puberty (for Girls)

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I have gotten my period and my breasts are growing. Does that mean I'm going through puberty?

Laura Marusinec, MD
Board Certified Pediatrician
Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.

Laura Marusinec, MD

Board Certified Pediatrician

Expert Answer

Yes, once you start your period you are definitely in puberty. Early signs include mood swings, body hair growth, and other changes, but these all lead up to getting your period.

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Question

I feel like I've hit puberty but I can't tell for sure. I'm getting pubic hair and I've started feeling uncomfortable around men and boys. Is this usual?

Laura Marusinec, MD
Board Certified Pediatrician
Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.

Laura Marusinec, MD

Board Certified Pediatrician

Expert Answer

Yes, you have several signs of puberty. Don't worry, all of these things are very normal to be going through and dealing with.

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Question

My friend is growing boobs and having dreams about blood and boys. Did she hit puberty?

Laura Marusinec, MD
Board Certified Pediatrician
Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.

Laura Marusinec, MD

Board Certified Pediatrician

Expert Answer

Yes, it sounds like there's a good chance that your friend has started to go through puberty. These are all signs of puberty.

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Question

Does the time you start your period depend on your genes/DNA? Specifically, will I start my period for the first time when I'm as old as my mom was when she started?

Laura Marusinec, MD
Board Certified Pediatrician
Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.

Laura Marusinec, MD

Board Certified Pediatrician

Expert Answer

When you go through puberty and start your period is often similar to your mother or sisters. There seems to be some genetic part. However, it doesn't always match. Also, girls that are overweight often go through puberty sooner. And if you have very poor nutrition or are very underweight, you will likely be delayed. Other medical problems can affect when you go through puberty.

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Question

I'm 11 and I have breast pain. what can I do to get rid of this pain?

Laura Marusinec, MD
Board Certified Pediatrician
Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.

Laura Marusinec, MD

Board Certified Pediatrician

Expert Answer

To get rid of your breast pain, talk to your parents about trying a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or Tylenol. Also, a warm compress may help the pain get better. Have your parents take you to your doctor if the pain gets bad or doesn't get better, or if you notice other things like discharge, blood, or redness of the area.

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