Physical Education and Health Literacy M-DCPS Ready...Set...Grow! Growing up for Girls Physical Education and Health Literacy M-DCPS

PUBERTY It’s a time of change Boys and Girls mature at different rates (pronounced “pew-burr-tee”) Means growing physically from a child into an adult. It’s a time of change Boys and Girls mature at different rates Girls usually begin puberty before boys Mentally Emotionally Socially Physically Sexual

Endocrine System Glands that produce secretions which pass directly into the blood stream or lymph system. Those secretions are hormones.

Pituitary Gland Master gland that controls the entire system Responsible for triggering growth Responsible for producing a special hormone at puberty which brings about maturing of the sex glands in both boys and girls.

AS GIRLS MATURE Each girl grows at her own pace. In girls, puberty usually begins between ages 9 and 16. It usually takes a few years for the body to mature fully. Some change sooner that others.

Mentally They get better at solving complex problems. Tend to have more interest in topics such as politics and religion.

EMOTIONALLY Feelings of love, joy loneliness. Emotions tend to often become more intense. They suddenly feel different from friends and family.

Socially Having friends may feel very important at this time. It’s also common to want to explore new interest and try out new ways of dressing, talking and acting.

Physical & Sexual Changes Grow taller Grow hair under arms and genital area Skin becomes more oily, and sweat more Develop breast Hips widen Begin menstruating

The Menstrual Cycle

What Happens During your Menstrual Cycle?

Ovulation One of the things that happens during puberty is the production of hormones by the ovaries. Estrogen is the female hormone that causes the changes of puberty: physical growth, development of the ovaries, breast development, body hair and body shape. Each month an ovum (egg cell) matures and ripens.

Ovulation At the same time, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) builds up, preparation for a fertilized egg. The ovum takes a four to six day trip down the fallopian tubes into the uterus. Occasionally, two or more ova are released at the same time. If the egg is not fertilized, the uterus will know that the endometrium is not needed.

Menstruation Menstruation is when the lining of the uterus (endometrium) begins to slough off the walls and slowly pass out of the body through the vagina. Most women lose only about 4 to 6 tablespoons of menstrual fluid each month Periods can be light, moderate, or heavy. It’s perfectly normal to have a period that last anywhere from 3 to 7 days.

Menstruation A woman’s first period is know as menarche, and normally occurs between the ages of 10 and 17.

The Menstrual Cycle

Premenstrual Syndrome PMS Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual Syndrome Premenstrual Syndrome is a term used to describe a wide range of recurrent symptoms many women experience in the two weeks before menstruation. Symptoms may be mild or severe.

Signs & Symptoms Abdominal Cramps, Pain or fullness Breast swelling and tenderness Fatigue Bloating Headache Backache Acne flare-up Food cravings Irritable Depression Difficulty concentrating

Managing your Cycle Sanitary Pads (Napkins) Tampons Feminine wash Extra pair of Underwear Hand Sanitizer Travel Toilet Paper (Baby Wipes)

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