FAQs - Puberty Girls Questions and Answers

Dear Shushann,
Hey, I’m 15 years old and I got my period around when I was 13. What I wanted to ask is that, I am REALLY conscious of my chest size and think it’s big- I dunno if its just me...or not. Will my chest be growing anymore or should I be in my final stages of puberty? If I will grow more
then how many more years do you think is normal?

From E

Hi there E

Please hang in there with your boobs! I had big boobs when I was 12 and I was really self conscious about it. I didn’t get my mum’s boobs, (which were sort of medium sized) I got my grandma’s boobs! (which were big). The trouble with boobs is that you can’t hide them. They’re right there!
Breast size is primarily determined by heredity and as you've probably gathered, breasts come in all sorts of shapes and sizes so there is a lot of ‘normal’. The genes for your breast size may not come just from your mum, but it can also come from your dad's side of the family. Many girls will have a breast size different from their mother or their sisters. Remember that breasts are normal whether small, large or in between.
hope that's useful
best wishes Shushann

Dear Shushann
Why do you think I get pubic hair before my breasts start to grow?
From M

Dear M,
Some girls (about 15%) will have the development of pubic hair before breast development. The amount of pubic hair increases to an almost adult amount prior to the onset of the menses (that is your period) So in short, congratulations, you’re normal!
best wishes
Shushann

 

Dear Shushann,
My name is L and I am 10 years old. I am just starting to get the "puberty signposts".
I have read your book and I do not know how you can speak of some of those "words" so clearly. I have just one question to ask you which is.. How do you go up to your mum
and say that you need a bra? Someone at my school already has breasts and she wears a bra and everyone thinks she is strange.
From L embarrassed!!!

Hi there L embarrassed!!!

Hmmm..... How to ask your mum about getting a bra....Here are some suggestions:

1. When you are in DJ's or Myer or Kmart (whatever) next with your mum you could say you'd like to go to the bras section because your friend is wearing a bra and you'd like to take a look at the ones she said she got. Then say, hey they are nice I wonder what it’d be like to wear one too.(hee hee) Hopefully you're mum will say "Sure why don't you try one on and if you like it I'll buy it for you!"
2. The direct approach: Mum I'd really like to go and check out some bras or crop tops can we take a look at ..(DJ's, Myer or Kmart wherever)
3. Go and check out which bras or crop tops you are interested in by yourself or with a couple of friends and write a note to your mum and say which ones you like and could you get one. Or if you feel comfortable tell your mum with your friend.

Good luck puberty girl I know you can do it, Afterall it's just a little piece of material we're talking about!

best wishes
Shushann

Dear Shushann
My breasts are starting to develop and they really hurt. Could you please give me some answers to stop the pain?
From A

Dear A

Hi, What you've written is a common complaint for girls around puberty. What I suggest you do is perhaps get some jojoba oil (from a health food shop) and mix about 15 mls of this with 4 drops of Rose Geranium essential oil. Rub some of this mix in your hands to warm it and
massage this gently and slowly in outward circles around your breasts avoiding the nipples.
Your mum or dad might also take you to a Naturopath or an Acupuncturist for
advice/treatment in order to reduce the soreness. Hope this is helpful and hope you feel better soon.
best wishes

Dear Shushann,
I read your book and it was good except I reckon you should put a bit more on boys and stuff as many kids in my class get all quiet when they talk about boys as it is very embarrasing. My friends also get scared as they think about the s word all the time. Also on behalf of all my friends, is it wrong to think to think about this stuff?

Thanks,
bye,
Laura

Hi there Laura

I appreciate your feedback. You might want to check out Puberty Boy - it's written by a colleague of mine. Geoff Price and it is full of all the stuff about the boys!!!
I know what you mean about embarrassing - it's like embarrassing but also you really want to know at the same time. I guess when you say the s word youmean sex. I don't know how old you are but that is definately what starts happening around puberty - your body is changing and so is your brain and feelings. This includes being interested in guys! I always think it's good to be informed. Do you feel you could ask your mum or dad questions around stuff like that or your teacher??. Afterall they've got a lot of experience!

best wishes
Shushann

Dear Shushann
What is Masturbation and my friend asked me will you get pregnant if you stick your fingers in to your vagina?
From D

Hi there D,

Firstly, no you can't get pregnant by sticking your fingers in your vagina.
I really recommend you take a look at my book Puberty Girl to have a better idea of what masturbating is. Boys and girls naturally touch their genitals from the time they are bubs. Touching our sex organs for pleasure is called masturbation.(mass-ter-bay-shon) This is completely natural and at puberty masturbation changes from childlike fiddling to rubbing the clitoris to give ourselves pleasure. The clitoris has lots of fine nerve endings that can give excited feelings when we masturbate.

best wishes
Shushann

Dear Shushann,
I have got this yellow mucus in my undies and its been happening for some time and I am wondering whether I should keep a pad in my bag just in case. P.S your book is cool

Hi there E
I'm glad you like my book! Nice to hear from you. The yellow mucus can sometimes be known as 'show' which means you should be heading to get your periods soon. Usually girls get their first period 6months - 1 year after they first start getting the yellow mucus you've been describing. You can get really thin panty liners if you'd like to wear them if it bothers you. Otherwise, you’ve probably noticed that it comes off your undies fairly easily in the wash.
Cheers
Shushann