Typically, a girl’s first menstrual cycle is preceded by pubic hair growth. This should serve as a sign to you that your daughter’s menstruation is not too far away. Pubic hair growth typically occurs when a girl is about 10 years old. Growth of underarm hair usually follows about 2 years later. Girls have their largest growth spurt during this time period, and menstruation typically begins as well.
All of these developments are the result of new hormones swirling around in a girl’s body. These hormones are also a primary cause of the emotional roller coaster that girls experience at this age. You may very well notice an increase in your daughter’s irritability, moodiness, and even anxiety. Such reactions can first be seen at age 7 with an initial small rise of hormones, and then they spike around age 11 when the hormones go into high gear. (When that happens, your previously well-adjusted, good-natured, sweet young daughter may be a little less pleasant to be around.)
These hormones are part of an intricate biological dance within your daughter’s body. First, hormones begin to rise from a girl’s pituitary gland. These hormones then cause increased estrogen to be produced by the girl’s ovaries. Next the adrenal glands kick in, producing androgens. (Androgens are male-like hormones that contribute to hair growth in the pubic region and under the arms.) And finally, growth hormones go into their most active stage.
Interestingly, girls typically have their greatest growth spurt about two years before boys do. If you visit any fifth or sixth grade classroom, you’re almost certain to notice that the girls are, on average, taller than the boys.
