doctor or medical clinic what to do.
One breast may begin to get larger than the other. Very often, breasts will not grow to be exactly alike—one may be shaped a little differently or hang a little lower. This is normal, just as it’s normal for your hands or eyes or other pairs of body parts each to look a little different.
Remember that nobody can really predict exactly how your breasts will grow, how long it will take, or how large they will get. Breasts come in all sizes, shapes, and coloration. Girls often worry that their breasts are too small. Large breasts can attract teasing.
Don’t be fooled by any person or advertisement claiming that your breasts can be made bigger by doing certain exercises or by rubbing in creams or taking any pills or potions. No product like that can change your breasts.
Learn how to do a breast self-exam every month after your period. This is a great habit to get into as you approach adulthood. If you are concerned about the asymmetry of your breasts, or the size causes you pain, or you have noticed a new lump or bump, consult your doctor.
Bras
It’s easy to decide whether you want or need a bra. Try one on and ask yourself if you feel more comfortable with one orwithout one. Get a training bra, one for small chests, or a sports bra, if you like, to see if you like having one.
Bra sizes have both a number and a letter, such as 34B. The number is the band size and is based on the measurement around your rib cage below your breasts. The letter is the cup size and is based on the size of your breasts measured around your chest over your nipples. Usually stores have specially trained saleswomen who can measure you accurately to get the correct size and help you try on bras. They can also consult with you on the fit.
Sizes may actually vary a little from bra to bra. Usually you can adjust the bra fit by making the straps longer or shorter. Try on several bras to find the best fit.
Bras come in all kinds of colors, fabrics, and styles:
• If you have large breasts, you might want an underwire bra for greater support.
• Girls and women with smaller breasts might like comfortable stretch bras, soft-cup bras, or padded bras.
• Special bras, like demi-bras or strapless bras, can shape the breasts for the best look under particular kinds of clothes.
• Whatever size breasts you have, get a sports bra if you play a lot of sports or just prefer the way it feels. This type of bra holds your breasts in place more securely, either by pressing them against your chest or by supporting each one in a separate cup.
Maybe you don’t want to wear a bra but feel self-conscious about your decision. Your nipples might show under a thintop, or maybe you feel different because all of your girlfriends wear bras. But there are other ways to feel comfortable, like wearing a camisole or tank top under a shirt or sweater so that no one can tell that you’re not wearing a bra.
Body Hair
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During puberty, you begin to grow hair under your arms, on your legs, and maybe in other places on your body as well, especially over your pubic bone. The hair on your pubic boneis called pubic hair. At first you see only a few hairs, then, as more grow, they become darker, curlier, and finally wiry. As it thickens, the pubic hair forms an upside-down triangle on your mons. The hair may grow out a little onto your thighs and up toward your belly. And it might not be the same color as the hair on your head! Some women have a lot of dark curly pubic hair while some have less hair and it may be straighter.
There is no reason to shave pubic hair, or hair under your arms or on your legs, if you don’t want to.
Vaginal Discharge
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As you enter puberty, you may notice a watery discharge from your vagina. This is called leukorrhea. 2 It can be clear and slippery at some times and white and creamy at others, and it may look a little yellow if it dries on your underpants. The discharge can have a slight odor, and