Published: January 6, 2018 | Updated: March 13, 2025
Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Puberty is a process that happens slowly over several years. It can be hard to tell when it’s beginning or when to expect changes. The outward signs are the easiest to recognize and provide a guide to where a girl is in the process.
The age ranges in this graphic are average and every girl goes through puberty at her own pace. African-American girls may have hair growth before breast buds. Children with some neurological disorders may develop earlier or later. If your child has cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, seizures or other neurological conditions, ask your doctor what you can expect.
Our free class series is designed to start sometimes difficult or awkward discussions on topics faced by families with growing preteens and teens.
Pubic hair growth before age 7Breast development before age 8Excessive hair or acne by age 8No breast development by age 13Period has not started by age 15Rapid onset of all of these signs (within a year)
If you have any of these concerns, your child should see a pediatrician or pediatric/adolescent gynecologist.