By Dr. Rupa DeSilva

Puberty is a time of growth, and it can be confusing and awkward for parents and girls alike. Often parents don’t want to see their little girls growing up, and girls can be scared about all the changes. Here are the three most common questions that I’m asked.

1. How do I know if puberty has started?

The first sign of puberty in a young girl is breast development. The average age of breast development is 10, though some girls develop later and some develop earlier.

2. How old will my daughter be during her first period?

The average age of menarche in the United States is about 12 and a half. A girl’s first period is two years after breast development begins. The whole process varies from girl to girl.

3. Will my daughter grow taller after she starts her period?

A girl’s most significant growth spurt is typically just before she starts her period. A girl may grow slightly after she starts her period, but her major growth spurt is finished before the first period.

First ob-gyn visit

We recommend that a girl’s first ob-gyn appointment be between ages 13 and 15. This office visit allows a teen to get her questions answered and to start a relationship with the gynecologist. These conversations often will enable us to address any risky behaviors that might be on a girl’s mind, like drinking or vaping. Most girls don’t need a pelvic exam during their first visit.

Also, we want you to have the correct information as a parent. There’s so much available in the internet age, but it’s hard to know if your reading is accurate. When you get information straight from a medical professional, you’ll know that what you’re hearing is as correct and up to date as possible.