This is when adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction. At this stage boys and girls undergo a series of biological and physical changes.

It is common for girls to experience puberty between the ages of 9 and 14 while boys experience it between the ages of 12 and 16.

Body Changes

Although boys and girls share similar body changes when they reach puberty, there are some changes that are exclusive to boys and vice-versa for girls. For example boys don’t experience menstruation but girls do when they reach puberty.

Menstruation – When Does it Start and End

All girls go through a pre-menarche stage. This is the time in-between when girls reach puberty and when they have their first menstrual period. It is common for girls to experience their first menstrual period between the ages of 9 and 19 years. However most girls will begin to have regular periods between the age of 16 to 18. Delay in starting periods is not a cause for concern. When menstruation starts a woman can expect to see her menstrual period continuously until she reaches her menopause, in her late 40s and 50s

Your menstrual cycle is the interval between your first and your next menstrual period. On average, the length of the menstrual cycle is 28 days, but generally this varies from woman to woman. Regular cycles that are longer or shorter than 24 to 35 days, are normal.

Hormones play a vital role during your menstrual cycle. The two main hormones that are released during your cycle are progesterone and oestrogen. Their presence contributes to the mood swings you may experience during your menstrual cycle.

Menstrual Cycle