what age do girls hit puberty

Girls hit puberty between the ages of 8 and 13 years old. The average age for girls to get their first period in the United States is around age 12. However, its important to note that every girls body has its own schedule, and its normal for puberty to begin at any point between the ages of 8 and 13. The earliest sign of puberty in most girls is the development of breast "buds," nickel-sized bumps under the nipple. Girls will also experience a growth spurt at a younger age than boys do, with the fastest rate of height growth usually occurring between when breast buds start to develop and about 6 months before they get their period. Once a girl has had her first period, her growth has already started to slow down, and most girls grow another 1-2 inches after getting their period, but increased height beyond that is less common. Girls hips will get wider, and their waist may get smaller during puberty. If a girl begins to see pubertal changes before the age of 8 or if there are no pubertal changes in a girl by age 13, its recommended to contact a pediatrician.