The body changes · For ages 8–12
Why is my body changing before or after other people's?
Bodies begin changing at different times. That means you may notice changes in your body before or after your friends do.
About what you notice
What is happening?
Perhaps you have grown taller, developed hair somewhere new or noticed that your breasts are tender. Perhaps your friends have noticed these changes while you are still waiting. Bodies begin changing at different times.
The period when the body gradually develops from a child's body into a more adult body is called puberty. It lasts several years. The brain starts the changes with the help of hormones. Hormones are substances made by the body that send messages between different body parts.
You may grow faster, develop more hair under your arms and between your legs, sweat more and get spots. Your breasts may start growing, and your hips and other body parts may change shape. These changes can happen at different speeds.
You may also notice clear, white or slightly sticky fluid in your underwear. This is called vaginal discharge. The fluid comes from the vagina, a soft passage with an opening between your legs. Inside the body, low in your tummy, is the uterus. It is a small, hollow organ with muscles in its walls. An organ is a part of the body that has a particular job. Eventually blood and small pieces of a soft lining from inside the uterus may pass through the vagina. This is a period.
Your thoughts and feelings may also change as you grow. Some people become angry, sad or nervous more easily. What happens at home, at school and with other people also affects how you feel. You can ask someone you trust about both your body and your feelings.
Find what fits best
Which sounds most like what you notice?
Choose the option closest to what you have seen, felt or noticed.
Why is my body changing before or after other people's?
Forklaringskort
Important to know
In girls, puberty usually begins between ages 8 and 13 and a half. Breasts often begin developing early in puberty. Some people notice several changes quickly, while others notice one thing first and something else later. Two people of the same age can therefore be at different stages of development.
If your breasts start developing before you are eight, or you are around 13 and a half and they have not begun developing, a doctor should assess it. An adult can help you make an appointment.
Puberty is the time when the body gradually changes from a child's body into a more adult body. Puberty takes several years. That means the body does not finish changing all at once.
You may notice one new thing and then wait a long time before anything else happens. Perhaps your clothes become too short while you are still waiting for your first period. Every change takes time. It is okay to find it exciting, strange or a little difficult, and to ask the same question more than once.
Hormones are substances your body makes. You can think of them as little messages that are sent around your body. During puberty, hormones help start many of the changes you notice, such as breast growth, more body hair and eventually the start of periods.
Your brain and other parts of your body work together to send these messages. You cannot decide when they start puberty. Having a change early also does not mean you are older on the inside or expected to manage more things alone.
Your breasts may begin growing or feel tender. Darker, thicker hair may grow under your arms and around your genital area. You may start sweating more or smelling different.
Your skin may become oilier, and some people develop spots. You may also begin growing taller more quickly than before.
Changes can start gradually. Perhaps your skin feels different or a jumper rubs against your breast. You do not need to check your body every day. Ask an adult about anything you see or feel that you are curious about.
You may notice something white, clear or slightly sticky in your underwear. This is called vaginal discharge, which is fluid from the vagina. Discharge is common during puberty. Eventually you may also notice blood in your underwear when your periods begin.
For example, you may notice a light-coloured mark that has dried on the fabric. It is fine to ask what it is without feeling embarrassed. If you would like to prepare for your first period, an adult can help you put a pad and spare underwear in your bag.
As you grow, different parts of your body may develop at different speeds. Your hips may become wider, your breasts develop and your body may store more fat in some places. Your hands and feet may grow too. Sometimes your body may feel a little different or unfamiliar while these changes happen.
Your trousers may fit differently even though you still wear the same size in other clothes. Your body needs food and rest while you grow. Clothes that fit and feel comfortable to move in can make changing body shapes easier.
Puberty does not only happen on the outside of your body. Your brain is also developing, and hormones can influence how you feel and react. Some people experience stronger feelings, become irritated more easily or notice their mood changes more than before. Others notice this less.
Try telling someone what you need: a quiet moment, someone to listen or help with something difficult. You may feel angry or sad without knowing exactly why. You can tell a trusted adult about feelings that last a long time or make daily life difficult.
Changes often follow a similar pattern, but they may start at different times and happen at different speeds. Breasts often begin growing early in puberty. You may also notice body hair, discharge or faster growth. Some changes happen close together, while there may be longer gaps between others.
Friends in the same class may have very different questions. Someone who gets their period first may need help with pads. Someone who is still waiting may wonder when it will happen. Both deserve good answers, and neither has done anything better or worse.
Tell an adult you trust if something hurts a lot, itches or burns, if you bleed heavily, if something makes it difficult to attend school or do everyday things, or if you are worried about changes in your body. A school nurse or doctor can help if something needs further examination.
You can begin with, 'I have a question about my body.' If you would like to talk privately, you can ask to do that. You could also write a note or show this page. If the first adult does not understand, you can try telling another adult.
What next?
What can you do next?
Start with what you have noticed. Perhaps something has become tender, hair has grown in a new place, you sweat more, your feelings seem different or you have seen something unfamiliar in your underwear. You can describe it just as you see or feel it to someone you trust.
Sources
These are the sources used for this article. Some are written for teenagers, adults or healthcare professionals.