Changes

1. Changes For Girls - What to Expect

2. Changes For Girls - What to Expect • This is a very confusing and awkward time for all teenagers. Expect to feel weird. It's normal! There are many changes that occur. Look for the following: • Typically experience growth spurt around age 11 • Grow larger breasts around age 11 • Get rounder, wider hips and narrower waists • Start menstruation (period) around age 13 (sometimes sooner, sometimes later) or at 106 pounds (specifically), an irregular and inconsistent vaginal discharge (later becoming regular and consistent)

3. Changes Grow larger breasts around age 11

4. Changes Get rounder, wider hips and narrower waists

5. Endocrine System • The Endocrine System is the chemical communication system that provide a way for the body to control a huge number of physiologic processes. • Like other communication networks, endocrine systems contain transmitters, signals and receivers that are called, respectively hormone producing cells, hormones and receptors.

6. What is the pituitary gland? • The pituitary gland is a small gland (about the size of a grape) that also sits at the bottom of the brain. • It releases a number of messenger hormones that act as the "keys" to activate different organs in the body including the ovaries. • The pituitary also secretes endorphins, chemicals that act on the nervous system to reduce sensitivity to pain, and hormones that signal the ovaries and testes to make sex hormones and that control ovulation and the menstrual cycle in women.

7. Reproductive system • Girls have two ovaries. Each one holds thousands of tiny eggs. • About once a month, an ovary releases one egg. This is called ovulation. • The egg moves through one of two Fallopiantubes toward the uterus. http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3375

8. Before the egg is let go, the uterus begins building up a lining made of tissue and blood, which becomes like a nest for the egg if pregnancy happens. (Usually, the egg breaks apart before it gets to the uterus.) • But if a sperm from a boy's or man's penis meets the egg on its way to the uterus, it can fertilize the egg. • Pregnancy begins if a fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. • When the egg breaks apart, the lining of tissue and blood isn't needed. It flows out of the uterus, through the cervix, through the vagina, and out of the body. Menstruation http://www.methodisthealth.com/WomensHealth/gyneover.htm

9. Reproductive system • The female reproductive system is designed to carry out several functions. • The system transports the ova to the site of fertilization. (Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian tubes.) • After conception, the uterus offers a safe and favorable environment for a baby to develop before it is time for it to make its way into the outside world. • If fertilization does not take place, the system is designed to menstruate (the monthly shedding of the uterine lining). • In addition, the female reproductive system produces female sex hormones that maintain the reproductive cycle

10. Body Changes • The female reproductive anatomy includes internal and external structures. • The function of the external female reproductive structures (the genital) is twofold: • To enable sperm to enter the body and • To protect the internal genital organs from infection.

11. Signs of Reaching Puberty • For girls, their first menstruation, or period, is a sign that they have reached puberty. • This is a normal sign that occurs in ALL healthy girls. • Menstruation lets you know you have a normal, functioning reproductive system.

12. Menstruation • Menstruation (or period) is a monthly discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus through the vagina. • Depending on individual body development and hormone levels, a girl's first menstrual cycle may begin at any time. • The first menstrual period is called menarche (meh-NAR-key). • The first few cycles are irregular, but become regular over time, usually occurring every 28 days or so.

13. Menstruation • One menstrual period may last between two and seven days. • During one menstrual period, it's typical for one-half to one cup of blood and tissue to be discharged from start to finish. • Some girls get premenstrual syndrome (PMS) right before their menstrual period. Symptoms of PMS include cramps and irritability and are also driven by your hormones.

14. Menstruation • Pads (worn inside the underwear) should be changed every four to five hours at least. • Overnight pads should be changed every eight hours. Keeping them on longer can cause a foul odor. • Have some at home, but don't forget to take some with you to school in a purse or a book bag, and keep them anywhere else you may need them. If your menstrual period comes on suddenly or when you're not home, you will always have something available to absorb the flow. • Thinking ahead and being prepared can really save you a lot of potential embarrassment.

15. Changes Your period is something you eventually appreciate as a symbol of your womanhood. Everything about your period is normal! All women have gone through the same thing!

16. Here are some tips for keeping clean: Bathe or shower everyday When you bathe or shower make sure that you clean your genital area Girls, it is OK and even important to shower or bathe during your period Wash your face with mild soap and water morning and night Wash your hair at least every second day or more often if necessary Use a deodorant under your arms Change your underwear everyday

17. Ways to Express Love Without Sex • There are millions of nonsexual ways to show someone you like them. • You can show a person you care for them by spending time with them. • Go to the movies. • Or just hang out and talk. • If you are with someone you really like, then anything can be fun.

18. Changes • There are other ways to feel physically close without having sex. • These ways include everything from kissing and hugging to touching. • Just remember that if you're not careful these activities can lead to sex. • Plan before hand just how far you want to go, and stick to your limits.