PUBERTY
- Dr. Joisy Aloor
• Puberty is a period from which our body changes from a
child to an adult.
• This happens because our body wants to prepare itself to
be able to have a baby.
• Puberty starts when extra amounts of chemicals called hormones start to
be produced in the body.
• The body produces the sex hormones estrogen, progestogen and
testosterone which are responsible for many different changes in the
body.
• The brain and pituitary gland release the sex hormones that regulate the
reproductive organs.
• The female body mainly produces progesterone and
oestrogen which start the changes of puberty.
• Usually starts between 8-13 years.
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
WHAT ARE PERIODS?
• Periods (menstruation) happen due to the hormones
changing in your body.
• Even before birth, a girl has 1-2 million tiny eggs
(Ovum) in her ovaries. By puberty, we only have
3,00,000 – 4,00,000 eggs left.
• When puberty is reached an egg is released each
month from her ovaries.
• The egg moves from the ovary and along the
fallopian tube and down into the (womb) uterus.
• If the egg is not fertilized by a sperm then the lining of
the uterus and the egg leave your body through your
vagina, this is your period.
THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
• The menstrual cycle
is usually 28 days.
• However it can vary
from between 23-35
days.
EMOTIONAL CHANGES
• Your mind and feelings change too.
• You may feel lonely and confused.
• You may have mood swings (including irritability, tearfulness,
overwhelming happiness and confusion).
• You may want more independence.
• You may also become argumentative and bad tempered.
• You may love your friends or family at times and not want to have
anything to do with them at other times.
• Sometimes you may feel like a grown-up, other times like a kid.
• Sexual thoughts and feelings.
• Bleeding can last between 3 and 8 days.
• Blood flow may be heavier in the first few days.
• The average blood loss is only around 80ml (roughly 3 tablespoons).
• Periods happen once a month but your body takes time do get into a routine so
for the first year or so the time between each period may vary.
• Women and girls use sanitary pads, tampons or menstrual cups depending on
their comfort.
WHEN WILL MY PERIOD START?
• Usually between 10-16 years old
• About 2 years after your breasts develop
• Soon after you grow pubic hair
• After you start to notice vaginal discharge
REMEMBER – EVERY GIRL IS DIFFERENT!
PHYSICAL CHANGES
• Get taller and heavier
• Bones grow bigger and heavier
• Hips get wider and more curvy
• Face changes shape
• Voice gets a little deeper
• Hair grows under the armpits, around the genitals (pubic hair)
• Hair on arms and legs grows darker
• Breasts and nipples get larger
• Body sweats more
• Acne (pimples)
• Growth spurt
• Internal and external sex organs grow
• May have mood swings, sexual thoughts and feelings
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF IT?
• Massage your stomach
• Have a nice warm drink
• Use a hot water bottle or use a heat pad
• Take bath everyday after exercise or other physical
activities
• Use deodorants
• Wash face regularly
• Brush your teeth and floss twice daily
• Shaving your hair using razor
• Choose comfortable underwear
• Proper exercises as your muscles are growing now
• Healthy food
PLANNING
• Mark on a calendar the date of your first period.
• Count 28 days from the day of your first blood show, this will give you
a rough idea of when your next period will be.
• Always carry some spare underwear and sanitary towels in your bag.
REMEMBER PERIODS WILL NOT HAVE A SET PATTERN
IN THE BEGINNING, THEY WILL EVENTUALLY SETTLE
INTO THEIR OWN PATTERN.
CONSENT (GOOD TOUCH/ BAD TOUCH)
• Consent is when someone agrees to something or gives
permission for something to happen.
• A good touch makes you feel warm, happy and
comfortable.
• A bad touch makes you feel sad, angry, uncomfortable,
uneasy, etc.
EXAMPLES
ANY QUESTIONS?
