Learning how to take care of your body is part of growing up. As you get older, your body will change as you become a woman. This is called puberty. During puberty, you will get:
These changes will happen slowly. You will have to learn new routines to keep yourself clean and healthy.
To stay smelling fresh and clean, you should:
As the hair grows under your arms and on your legs, you may want to shave it. Ask a parent or other trusted adult how to use a razor.
It may take time to get used to how it feels to shave. Electric razors are noisy and might tickle a little. Other razors are sharp and can cut you if you are not careful. Be careful when using a razor.
Once you have breasts, a bra is a good idea. Bras support the breasts so they don't hurt when you walk, run, or jump around.
Ask your mom or another trusted adult to help you shop for a bra. There are lots of different kinds of bras. Try different ones until you find a bra that's right for you.
If you've never worn a bra before, it might feel uncomfortable at first. With a little time, you will get used to it.
When you get your period, you will see blood on your underwear, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. Your period will come about once a month. It usually lasts about 3 to 5 days. Mark your calendar each month when you get your period. This way, you'll know when to expect it the next month.
When you have your period, you need to wear a special pad in your underwear to catch the blood. Your mother or other trusted adult will teach you how to use one.
There are many different kinds of pads. You can choose the ones that are most comfortable for you to wear.
To put on a new pad, peel the paper off the back of the new pad. Place the sticky side of the pad in your underwear. Make sure it stays in place. Change your pad every 4 hours, when it smells, or when it is full of blood.
To change your pad, pull off the old one. Roll it up in toilet paper and throw it away in the bathroom trash can. Change your underwear if it is dirty. Then, put a new pad in your underwear.
Having a new daily routine may take some getting used to. Here are some fun ways to remember what to do:
Be prepared each day by making special kits with all the supplies you need for taking care of yourself. Ask your mom or dad to help you put your kits together.
You might make one kit for your morning routine that has soap, moisturizer, a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, and a brush and other items for your hair. You can make another kit for when you have your period that has pads, wipes, and clean underwear.
If you don't like the smell or the feel of some of the supplies, you can always go back to the store to buy something different. You have many choices. Pick whatever is best for you.
Reviewed by: Persephone Jones, MD, MPH
Date Reviewed: 12-12-2017