Puberty is a time full of lots of exciting changes. They are the result of changing hormones in your body. Hormones are chemicals that direct your body to perform certain activities – like getting your period!
Puberty and hormones go hand in hand. That’s why you may have heard a lot of talk about teenage hormones.
We’re here to help you make sense of the most significant hormonal changes during puberty in females so you can move through this time of your life with knowledge and confidence about your body.What hormonal changes take place during puberty?
The main hormonal changes in puberty are in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone produced by your body. Oestrogen and progesterone are the “girl hormones”, while testosterone is the “boy hormone” that makes boys’ bodies mature and change during this time.
At a certain age, your brain will release a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone, or GnRH for short. GnRH is the kick-off to puberty. It tells a special pea-sized gland in your brain called the pituitary gland to send a signal to your ovaries to start producing oestrogen and progesterone. Your ovaries contain millions of little eggs that have been there since birth. Once they get the signal from your pituitary gland, your ovaries will start maturing these eggs. This is when you’re ready to start getting your period.
One of the biggest highlights of puberty is getting your period. Your period is what we call the days of the month when you begin to shed tissue, blood, and fluid out of your body through your vagina. This is because changing levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone tell your body to release an egg once a month from your ovaries. When this happens, your uterus creates a nice thick lining for the egg to attach to in case it is fertilized by a male sperm cell (which would mean you’re pregnant). If the egg isn’t fertilized, this lining sheds itself. This is your period.
When this happens varies from girl to girl and depends largely on genetics. In general, puberty starts between the ages of 8 and 13 and finishes between the ages of 13 and 18. This is when all those “girl hormones” start taking effect. This means you may start puberty earlier or later than your friends, and that’s perfectly normal. In the end, everyone ends up in the same place – as full-grown adults! So there’s no need to race to get there.How will these hormonal changes affect my body?
Puberty and hormones will create changes in your body and how you look. Hormonal changes in puberty will make your breasts grow, a process that starts off with the development of breast buds, a little mound of flesh under each nipple.
They will also cause your hips to fill out and your body to take on a curvy, adult form. All this is in preparation for the possibility of becoming pregnant. During this time, you will also grow hair in your pubic area and under your arms.
You will also start to sweat more and develop your own unique body odour. Be sure to make personal hygiene a regular part of your routine by remembering to stock up on your favourite deodorant!Will hormonal changes affect my emotions?
Puberty and hormones will also affect your mood and thoughts. Your brain is changing! You may notice you’re developing new emotions and feelings. Puberty and hormones can cause mood swings in teens. This is normal. It is up to you to focus on the good or the bad stuff. Puberty is a great time to give your brain a workout by practicing confidence and trying new things. It helps you improve your abilities and find new solutions to problems. Practice makes you powerful!
Navigating puberty and its hormones can be a wild – and exciting! – ride. Armed with a positive can-do attitude and knowledge about the changes happening in your body can help you through it. Reach out to your mum, older sister, or an adult you trust with any question or for advice. They’ve been through it all and can be a great help. Remember to stand tall and be proud of the changes happening to your body. They mean you are growing into a healthy, confident young woman! High five!