Puberty
The information on this page has been taken from Health for Teens which introduces a new and different way for young people aged 11-19 to learn about their health.
Their website features bite-sized information on a comprehensive range of physical and emotional health topics for teenagers, including healthy eating, body image, managing stress, advice on relationships, puberty, sexuality and much more.
Puberty happens to everyone – it’s just part of growing up
It’s one thing we all have in common. Just like the weather – your body changes and the changes can be very unpredictable.
Puberty usually happens between the ages of 8-16. Not everyone goes through it at the same time though as we’re all different, so don’t worry if your friends have started to change and you haven’t, or if you have begun changing but your friends haven’t; we all get there in the end.
During puberty, your body will grow faster than any other time in your life. Your brain releases hormones that tell your body it’s time to change. This happens gradually over a few years, not overnight so you might not even notice the changes happening straight away.
Getting help
This booklet from NHS Choices tells you everything you need to know about getting your period to take away that worry and make sure you’re well prepared when it happens to you.