All You Need to Know

• What is happening to my body?

  During puberty, your body goes through physical changes, which are completely normal. The changes you might notice include:

  • Growth spurt: growing taller at a faster rate.

  • Developing breasts: you will begin to notice that your breasts start growing. It's important to remember that this happens at different times for everyone.

  • Body hair: you might start seeing hair in new places, such as under your arms and on your pubic area.

  • Skin changes: your skin might become oilier, which can lead to spots or acne. Washing your skin gently and using moisturiser can help keep it healthy.

  • Menstruation: puberty brings the start of menstruation, also known as your period. It's normal to have a mix of emotions about menstruation, and it might take some time to get used to it.

  • Body shape changes: you might notice changes in your body shape as your body develops into a young adult body.

  Remember, everyone goes through these changes at their own pace, and it's okay if things happen a little differently for you compared to your friends.

• Is it normal to feel emotional?

  Absolutely - your emotions are changing as well as your body and it can feel confusing or overwhelming. You might experience any of the following: 

  • Mood swings: your moods can change quickly and unexpectedly. 
  • Feeling sensitive: you may become more affected by what others say or do. Things that didn't bother you before might suddenly hurt your feelings or make you feel upset.
  • Self-discovery: you might start thinking more about who you are and what you want in life.
  • Body image: your body is changing and it might make you think and worry about how you look. It's common to compare yourself to others, but try to remember that everyone goes through different changes at their own pace.
  • Empathy and understanding: you might notice and care more about how others feel. This helps you build strong friendships and be there for others.

• What is masturbation?

  This is when you touch or rub your clitoris and vulva because it gives you a feeling of pleasure. It can lead to you having an orgasm.

  It is natural to want to masturbate and it's nothing to be ashamed of. You should know when it is okay to masturbate - doing it in public is not acceptable, for example.

  You might think about masturbating quite often and that is normal. If it starts to affect your everyday life, however, you might need to cut down how often you masturbate. You could try focusing on other things, such as exercise.

  If you're worried, you could speak to a trusted adult, or try speaking to someone in confidence at a service such as Childline.

• Do I need to wash more often?

  During puberty, the changes in your body can make you sweat more and your hair and skin can become more greasy, so good hygiene is really important. Here are some tips to help you stay clean and feel confident:

  • Daily washing: take a bath or shower regularly. Use soap and water to clean your body, paying special attention to areas like your underarms, groin, and feet. Rinse well to remove all the soap.
  • Skincare: wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil. Apply moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated. Avoid touching your face too much to prevent spreading bacteria.
  • Deodorant: you may notice more sweating and body odour. Using deodorant or antiperspirant can help you feel fresh. 
  • Menstrual hygiene: if you have started your period, it's important to manage it properly. Use pads or tampons designed for your age and change them regularly. Talk to an adult if you have any questions or concerns.

• How can I help myself to feel better?

  Getting enough sleep is very important. Aim to get around 8-10 hours sleep each night.

  You should also stay active and do plenty of exercise - playing sport, dancing or riding a bike are great ways to keep your body and mind healthy.

  Relaxing is also important. Reading, listening to music and spending time with family and friends can all help you switch off for a while.

• Do I need to check my body for any unusual changes?

  Most of the changes which happen to your body during puberty are completely normal, but if you notice something which you think is not right, it's important to get it checked.

  You should get used to checking your breasts for anything unusual and become familiar with how they look and feel. Then if you notice anything has changed, you can act quickly and get it checked.

  If you notice any of the following changes, you should see a GP:

  • A change in the size, outline or shape of your breast.
  • A change in the look or feel of the skin on your breast, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness.
  • A new lump, swelling, thickening or bumpy area in one breast or armpit that was not there before
  • A discharge of fluid from either of your nipples.
  • Any change in nipple position, such as your nipple being pulled in or pointing differently.
  • A rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple.
  • Any discomfort or pain in one breast, particularly if it's a new pain and does not go away (although pain is only a symptom of breast cancer in rare cases).

  Most breast changes are not serious, but it's always best to get checked so that if you do need treatment, it can start as soon as possible. 

  How should I check my breasts?