Growing Pains

Discharge alert
Why: don’t freak out ‘cause of that funky stuff on your underpants. Before your period starts, yellow and/or white stains are normal and completely natural. This is bodily fluid produced to cleanse and moisten the vagina. The discharge may be heavy or hardly noticeable at all-again, both are completely normal.
Really? Having vaginal discharge is a sign that menstruation, a.k.a. your period, will most likely start in about six to 18 months. Weight is also a factor in menstruating: very thin girls normally get their period a bit later than heavier girls.

Hair Scares
Why: contrary to popular belief, body hair actually exist for a reason: it’s there for your protection. Sometimes after breast development (or even before), hair will start growing in your pubic region. The hair is soft and fine at first, but will eventually get coarser, thicker, and curlier in time.
Really? Underarm hair appears a few months after pubic hair begins to grow.

Crazy Mood Swings
Why? Feeling really emotional is completely normal-even expected-because of the frenzy hormones pumping through your system at this time. You may find yourself sobbing over a hotdog commercial, or biting your best friend’s head off because she likes the same actor as you. You thinking also changes during this time; you’re now able to think more abstractly and more like an adult than a child. This means you’re able to better express your feelings.
Really? Pregnant women and women experiencing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) go through similar symptoms. Food cravings are also usual occurrence at this time, which may explain why your elder sister just loves those coco-jam-and-banana snacks of hers at certain times of the month.

Bootylicious Curves
Why: the development of sexual characteristics during puberty ensures that a girl is already biologically able to produce. The hormones in charge of this change bring about certain physical changes, too: your pelvis grows, preparing you for childbirth (making your hips wider); your breasts develop (in stages, and usually take two to three years to fully complete their development); your waist gets smaller, and you develop a curvier, more womanly shape.
Really? Some girls easily gain weight during this time. Sometimes, one breast may also grow more than the other. Don’t worry-both cases are perfectly normal.

Oily Skin and Hair
Why? Hormones make your pores produce more amounts of oil than usual, especially on your face and scalp. Remember to be consistent with your facial cleansing routine; oil build-up can clog pores and cause blackheads and acne.
Really? Too much cleaning can do as much damages as not cleaning your face and hair at all! Excessive scrubbing may aggravate your glands, making them produce more oil than before. Usually, washing your face twice a day is best.