Published: May 13, 2016 | Updated: November 27, 2019
Puberty is a process that happens slowly over several years. It can be hard to tell when it’s beginning or when to expect changes. The outward signs are the easiest to recognize and provide a guide to where a girl is in the process.
The age ranges in this graphic are average and every girl goes through puberty at her own pace. African-American girls may have hair growth before breast buds. Children with some neurological disorders may develop earlier or later. If your child has cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, seizures or other neurological conditions, ask your doctor what you can expect.
When you should be concerned about the pace of puberty:
Pubic hair growth before age 7 Breast development before age 8 Excessive hair or acne by age 8 No breast development by age 13 Period has not started by age 15 Rapid onset of all of these signs (within a year)
If you have any of these concerns, your child should see a pediatrician or pediatric/adolescent gynecologist.
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