Hormones are like tiny messengers in your body that tell different parts of your body what to do. They're kind of like notes passed in class, but instead of telling your friend to meet you after school, they tell your body to grow taller, develop breasts, or start your period.
During puberty, your body starts making more of certain hormones. One of these hormones is estrogen, which is important for girls. Estrogen helps your body develop in a way that makes you a woman, including:
- Growing your breasts: Estrogen causes your breasts to grow and develop.
- Starting your period: It helps your body get ready to have a baby someday by making your ovaries release eggs and starting your menstrual cycle.
- Changing your body shape: It makes your hips widen and helps you grow taller.
- Growing pubic and underarm hair: This is a normal part of growing up.
- Getting acne: Sadly, hormones can sometimes cause pimples, but they're a normal part of puberty.
It's important to remember that every girl goes through puberty at a different time. There is no right or wrong way to develop, so don't compare yourself to your friends. If you have any questions about puberty, it's always best to talk to your mom, dad, doctor, or another trusted adult.
