About Puberty

If you've got any questions about puberty phone us or come and see us at CAFE. You can also talk to your practice nurse or doctor, or phone Johnson and Johnson on freephone 0800 446 147.

What happens when I get my period?

Every month, the lining inside your uterus (womb) starts to thicken with blood in preparation for a possible pregnancy. This happens approximately once every month when a ripe egg is released from either your right or left ovary. If the egg is not fertilised the lining of the uterus starts to break down. This unused lining or menstrual fluid is mainly blood and travels out of the uterus through the vagina. This discharge is called menstruation or your period.

How will I know when I am going to get my first period?

You will probably start your period at around 11 or 12 years old. Some girls start at 9, others not until they are 16. You may notice a white, yellowish or clear discharge from your vagina; this discharge is part of your body's preparations for menstruation and is perfectly normal and healthy. This can start a few months before your first period or it can be a year. First periods sometimes start slowly as a brown discharge that you'll notice on your underwear.

Sometimes I have dreams at night and when I wake up there is some wet and sticky stuff in my pyjamas. What is it and what is wrong with me?

When boys go through puberty, the penis and testes get bigger in size, and boys will experience more erections (this is when the penis fills with blood and becomes firm and hard). When the sticky stuff called semen comes out of the penis, it is called ejaculation. This is normal and natural but not always within your control. A 'wet dream' occurs when you ejaculate in your sleep.

I get teased for having a squeaky voice. What is happening?

It is quite normal for a boy's voice to 'break' and go squeaky for a while before becoming deeper over time. Everyone is different but it is completely normal.

I am 13 years old and I am shorter than my classmates and I seem to have more pimples than everyone else. Why is this happening to me?

Hands and feet in boys often grow first, followed by legs. Boys may feel 'gangly' and awkward but the rest of the body usually catches up by the time they are sixteen. Everybody grows at a different rate.

About 85% of teenagers will have pimples at some stage during puberty because of an increase in the skin's oil production. Everybody is different and some teenagers will have more pimples then others. You can help look after your skin with a healthy diet, plenty of water, plenty of rest and regular exercise. Keep your skin clean with a mild soap or face wash. If you are worried about your pimples, talk to a nurse or doctor- there is plenty that can be done to help.

My breasts are sore before my periods, is this normal?

You may experience some or all of the following symptoms before you get your period. These changes are caused by hormones and are called pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS): - Sore, tender breasts - Bloating or slight swelling - An increase in pimples - A craving for sweet foods - Irritability.

Be kind to yourself at this time and try to do some of the things you enjoy to relax. Maybe try talking to your parents about how you're feeling.

If you are worried, talk to your nurse or doctor, or see us at Cafe.

When I get my period I get a really sore stomach. What can I do to help this?

• Place a heat pad on your tummy.
• Do some gentle exercise such as walking or stretching.
• Maintain a good diet and avoid excessive fatty or greasy food.
• Have a hot drink, some girls find herbal tea soothing.

Medication such as panadol or nurofen, and herbal remedies are available for period cramps. If your cramps make you stop your regular activities, you can see a doctor or nurse to talk about what can be done to help. Remember you can still do all the things you normally do when you have your period, such as swimming, exercising and dancing.

Congratulations!! You've begun your journey to adulthood!!