Is it normal to start puberty before my friends?

Yes. Puberty starts across a wide range of ages, and starting earlier or later than friends is common and usually completely normal.

My period hasn't started, should I worry?

Not necessarily. Periods start across a wide age range. If a period hasn't started by the expected age, a GP can check things over for reassurance.

Gynaecology, Explained Simply

Name: Puberty: Early & Delayed | Adolescent Gynaecology | Gynaec.com.au
Creator: Dr Priya Sivadas
Published: 2026-07-02

Puberty in girls: early, delayed, and what's normal

Puberty is the process of growing from a child into a young adult. It happens over several years and starts at different ages for different people, a wide range is entirely normal.

This page explains the usual pattern, what early and delayed puberty mean, and when it can help to talk to a clinician. It is general information for teens and parents, not personal medical advice.

Key points

Puberty starts across a wide range of ages, and most timing is completely normal.
Early (precocious) puberty means signs appear unusually young.
Delayed puberty means signs, or a first period, are later than expected.
A check is about reassurance and understanding, not a sign something is wrong.

Last reviewed 2 July 2026

What usually happens, and when

Puberty usually begins with breast development, followed over time by a growth spurt, body hair and, later, the first period (menarche). The whole process takes a few years, and starting earlier or later than friends is common.

Breast changes are often the first sign
A growth spurt happens during puberty
The first period usually comes a couple of years after the first signs

Early (precocious) puberty

Early puberty means signs of puberty appear at an unusually young age. Often there is no serious cause, but because occasionally there is one worth identifying, it can be checked. An assessment usually starts with a conversation, an examination and sometimes simple tests.

Delayed puberty, or no periods yet

Delayed puberty means the usual signs, or a first period, have not appeared by the expected age. There are several possible reasons, many of them harmless, and most are treatable or simply a matter of timing. If periods have not started by the expected age, it is reasonable to review this.

When to check

It is worth a conversation with a GP if puberty seems to be starting very early, if there are no signs by the expected age, or if a period has not arrived when expected. The aim is reassurance and understanding your situation.