But it’s perfectly normal for puberty to begin at any point between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys. There’s not usually any need to worry if puberty does not start around the average age, but it’s a good idea to speak to your GP for advice if it starts before 8 or has not started by around 14.

This wide range in age is normal, and it’s why you may develop several years earlier (or later) than most of your friends. Sometimes, though, people pass this normal age range for puberty without showing any signs of body changes. This is called delayed puberty.

Delayed puberty in girls occurs when breasts don’t develop by age 13 or menstrual periods do not begin by age 16. Puberty changes occur when the body starts making sex hormones. These changes normally begin to appear in girls between ages 8 to 14 years old.

It’s normal for some people to go through puberty sooner than others. Puberty usually starts anywhere between the ages of 9 and 15 in boys and 8 and 13 in girls. The wide range of time during which puberty normally hits is why some of your friends may look older than others.

Boys can start puberty at a wide range of ages, with 95% starting between the ages of 9 and 14, so we consider puberty delayed when it has not started by age 14.

But it’s different for everyone, so don’t worry if your child reaches puberty before or after their friends. It’s completely normal for puberty to begin at any point from the ages of 8 to 14. The process can take up to 4 years.

Yes, having hair on your vulva is completely healthy and normal. Both guys and girls grow hair — pubic hair — around their genitals during puberty. Some people have a lot of pubic hair, and some have less. Some people choose to remove their pubic hair for cosmetic reasons.

Fact: There is no scientific evidence that drinking milk causes early puberty. In the United States, girls are entering puberty at younger ages than they were in the first half of the 20th century. Researchers do not know the exact trigger for early-onset puberty, although it is likely influenced by many factors.

Excessive eating of many processed, high-fat foods, may be the cause of this phenomenon. Overweight or obese children are more likely to enter puberty early. Some evidence suggests that obesity can accelerate the onset of puberty in girls and may delay the onset of puberty in boys.

Here are seven tips:

1. Go to the doctor. Seek advise from your child’s pediatrician.
2. Exercise, exercise, exercise! Keep your children fit and active.
3. Beware of hormones in your food.
4. Eat organic fruits and vegetables.
5. Bake better.
6. Be aware of the products you use.
7. Drink plenty of water.

What to eat

• fruit and vegetables.
• potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates.
• beans, pulses, fish, eggs and other proteins.
• dairy and alternatives.
• oils and spreads.