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Teacher Resource 2: Changes during Puberty for People with Vaginas
Healthy Living
Understanding Changes at Puberty
Physical Changes at Puberty
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STAGE ONE:
Up to ages 8-12
STAGE TWO:
STAGE THREE:
STAGE FOUR:
STAGE FIVE:
May begin ages 8-13
May begin ages 9-15
May begin ages 10-16
May begin ages 12-19
• Childhood stage - no
visible signs of puberty
development
• Height and weight
increase rapidly
• Height continues to
increase
• Underarm hair appears
•Adult stage - overall look
is of that of a young person
• Breast buds appear,
nipples become raised
and this area may
be tender
• Pubic hair becomes darker,
thicker and curlier
• Fine straight hairs start
growing close to the labia
• Emotional changes and
mood swings
• Hips may start to widen in
relation to waist, giving a
softer, more rounded shape
• Vagina begins secreting
clear whitish fluid called
vaginal discharge
• For some people ovulation
and menstruation begin
late in this stage
• The nipple and the dark
area around it (areola) may
stick out from the rest of
the breast
• Pubic hair starts to form
in a triangular patch in
front of and around sides
of genital area
• For some people ovulation
and menstruation begin
during this stage
• Development of sweat
glands may lead to
increased perspiration
Adapted from AboutKidsHealth. (2015). Puberty in girls. Retrieved from www.aboutkidshealth.ca
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H&PE Curriculum Support Resource
•Areola flattens, breast
contour and breast
development is complete
• Pubic hair fonns a thick,
curiy triangular patch
• Adult height is probably
reached
•Ovulation and regular
periods begin