Stage 1:
Up to ages 8 to 12. Childhood stage - no visible signs of pubertal development.


Stage 2:
May begin anywhere from ages 8 to 14 - Height and weight increase rapidly. Breast buds appear; nipples become raised and this area may be tender. Fine, straight hairs start growing close to the pubic area.

Stage 3:
May begin anywhere from ages 9 to 15 - Height continues to increase. Breasts become rounder and fuller. Pubic hair becomes darker, thicker and curlier. Hips may start to widen in relation to waist, giving a softer, more rounded shape. Vagina begins secreting a clear, whitish fluid called vaginal discharge. For some girls, ovulation and menstruation begin late in this stage.

Stage 4:
May begin anywhere from ages 10 to 16 - Underarm hair appears. The nipple and the dark area a round it (areola) may stick out from the rest of the breast. Pubic hair starts to form a triangular patch in front and around sides of genital area. For many girls, ovulation and menstruation begin during this stage.



Stage 5:
May begin anywhere from ages 12 to 19 - Adult stage -- overall look is that of a young woman. Areola rejoins breast contour and breast development is complete. Pubic hair forms a thick, curly triangular patch. Adult height is probably reached. Ovulation and menstruation occur regularly.


















Stage 6:
Lasts from the age of 18 to 30's or 40's -Adulthood - From the onset of regular ovulation and menstruation until perimenopause and menopause. Menstruation occurs if not pregnant.

Stage 7:
From the 40's on...
After menopause occurs, there will be no menstruation or pregnancy for the rest of the adult's life.


When an egg leaves the ovary, it is caught by the fringes located at the end of one of the fallopian tubes. It then travels through the tube toward the uterus. Fertilization, the joining of an egg and sperm cell, can occur if sperm are present in the female body close to the time of ovulation. This process takes place in the fallopian tube.
When an egg leaves the ovary, it is caught by the fringes located at the end of one of the fallopian tubes. It then travels through the tube toward the uterus. Fertilization, the joining of an egg and sperm cell, can occur if sperm are present in the female body close to the time of ovulation. This process takes place in the fallopian tube. When an egg leaves the ovary, it is caught by the fringes located at the end of one of the fallopian tubes. It then travels through the tube toward the uterus. Fertilization, the joining of an egg and sperm cell, can occur if sperm are present in the female body close to the time of ovulation. This process takes place in the fallopian tube. When an egg leaves the ovary, it is caught by the fringes located at the end of one of the fallopian tubes. It then travels through the tube toward the uterus. Fertilization, the joining of an egg and sperm cell, can occur if sperm are present in the female body close to the time of ovulation. This process takes place in the fallopian tube.
When an egg leaves the ovary, it is caught by the fringes located at the end of one of the fallopian tubes. It then travels through the tube toward the uterus. Fertilization, the joining of an egg and sperm cell, can occur if sperm are present in the female body close to the time of ovulation. This process takes place in the fallopian tube.
The uterus, a hollow, muscular organ about the size of a fist, is shaped much like an upside-down pear. When a woman is pregnant, the fertilized egg develops in the uterus. In the first eight weeks of life, the developing egg is known as an embryo; from that point until birth, it is referred to as the fetus.
The uterus, a hollow, muscular organ about the size of a fist, is shaped much like an upside-down pear. When a woman is pregnant, the fertilized egg develops in the uterus. In the first eight weeks of life, the developing egg is known as an embryo; from that point until birth, it is referred to as the fetus. The uterus, a hollow, muscular organ about the size of a fist, is shaped much like an upside-down pear. When a woman is pregnant, the fertilized egg develops in the uterus. In the first eight weeks of life, the developing egg is known as an embryo; from that point until birth, it is referred to as the fetus. The uterus, a hollow, muscular organ about the size of a fist, is shaped much like an upside-down pear. When a woman is pregnant, the fertilized egg develops in the uterus. In the first eight weeks of life, the developing egg is known as an embryo; from that point until birth, it is referred to as the fetus.
The uterus, a hollow, muscular organ about the size of a fist, is shaped much like an upside-down pear. When a woman is pregnant, the fertilized egg develops in the uterus. In the first eight weeks of life, the developing egg is known as an embryo; from that point until birth, it is referred to as the fetus.
One egg, or ovum, is about the size of the head of a pin. Girls are born with all the eggs they'll ever have-some 250,000 in each ovary.
One egg, or ovum, is about the size of the head of a pin. Girls are born with all the eggs they'll ever have-some 250,000 in each ovary. One egg, or ovum, is about the size of the head of a pin. Girls are born with all the eggs they'll ever have-some 250,000 in each ovary. One egg, or ovum, is about the size of the head of a pin. Girls are born with all the eggs they'll ever have-some 250,000 in each ovary.
One egg, or ovum, is about the size of the head of a pin. Girls are born with all the eggs they'll ever have-some 250,000 in each ovary.
Each month, a woman's body prepares itself in case pregnancy occurs. The endometrium, or uterine lining, thickens to nourish a developing fetus. If the egg isn't fertilized, a woman doesn't become pregnant, and the endometrium is shed. Menstruation refers to the passing out of the body, of the blood, tissue and fluids that make up endometrium.
Each month, a woman's body prepares itself in case pregnancy occurs. The endometrium, or uterine lining, thickens to nourish a developing fetus. If the egg isn't fertilized, a woman doesn't become pregnant, and the endometrium is shed. Menstruation refers to the passing out of the body, of the blood, tissue and fluids that make up endometrium.Each month, a woman's body prepares itself in case pregnancy occurs. The endometrium, or uterine lining, thickens to nourish a developing fetus. If the egg isn't fertilized, a woman doesn't become pregnant, and the endometrium is shed. Menstruation refers to the passing out of the body, of the blood, tissue and fluids that make up endometrium.Each month, a woman's body prepares itself in case pregnancy occurs. The endometrium, or uterine lining, thickens to nourish a developing fetus. If the egg isn't fertilized, a woman doesn't become pregnant, and the endometrium is shed. Menstruation refers to the passing out of the body, of the blood, tissue and fluids that make up endometrium.
Each month, a woman's body prepares itself in case pregnancy occurs. The endometrium, or uterine lining, thickens to nourish a developing fetus. If the egg isn't fertilized, a woman doesn't become pregnant, and the endometrium is shed. Menstruation refers to the passing out of the body, of the blood, tissue and fluids that make up endometrium.
The cervix is the rounded lower portion, or neck, of the uterus, which protrudes into the vagina. During a woman's period, menstrual fluid passes through the opening of the cervix (which is about the size of a match head) through the vagina and out of the body.
The cervix is the rounded lower portion, or neck, of the uterus, which protrudes into the vagina. During a woman's period, menstrual fluid passes through the opening of the cervix (which is about the size of a match head) through the vagina and out of the body. The cervix is the rounded lower portion, or neck, of the uterus, which protrudes into the vagina. During a woman's period, menstrual fluid passes through the opening of the cervix (which is about the size of a match head) through the vagina and out of the body. The cervix is the rounded lower portion, or neck, of the uterus, which protrudes into the vagina. During a woman's period, menstrual fluid passes through the opening of the cervix (which is about the size of a match head) through the vagina and out of the body.
The cervix is the rounded lower portion, or neck, of the uterus, which protrudes into the vagina. During a woman's period, menstrual fluid passes through the opening of the cervix (which is about the size of a match head) through the vagina and out of the body.
The vagina is the very flexible passageway that leads from the internal reproductive organs to the outside of the body. It is also called the birth canal. Although the walls of the vagina usually lie flat against each other, they can greatly expand. This flexibility makes it possible for a baby to pass through the vagina during childbirth.
The vagina is the very flexible passageway that leads from the internal reproductive organs to the outside of the body. It is also called the birth canal. Although the walls of the vagina usually lie flat against each other, they can greatly expand. This flexibility makes it possible for a baby to pass through the vagina during childbirth.The vagina is the very flexible passageway that leads from the internal reproductive organs to the outside of the body. It is also called the birth canal. Although the walls of the vagina usually lie flat against each other, they can greatly expand. This flexibility makes it possible for a baby to pass through the vagina during childbirth.The vagina is the very flexible passageway that leads from the internal reproductive organs to the outside of the body. It is also called the birth canal. Although the walls of the vagina usually lie flat against each other, they can greatly expand. This flexibility makes it possible for a baby to pass through the vagina during childbirth.
The vagina is the very flexible passageway that leads from the internal reproductive organs to the outside of the body. It is also called the birth canal. Although the walls of the vagina usually lie flat against each other, they can greatly expand. This flexibility makes it possible for a baby to pass through the vagina during childbirth.
A woman has two ovaries. These small, almond-shaped glands hold and develop a woman's eggs. Each month, beginning in puberty, a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries. This process is known as ovulation. (It usually that it takes two years or more for ovulation to begin to occur regularly. After regular ovulation occurs, the menstrual cycle becomes more predictable. )
A woman has two ovaries. These small, almond-shaped glands hold and develop a woman's eggs. Each month, beginning in puberty, a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries. This process is known as ovulation. (It usually that it takes two years or more for ovulation to begin to occur regularly. After regular ovulation occurs, the menstrual cycle becomes more predictable. )A woman has two ovaries. These small, almond-shaped glands hold and develop a woman's eggs. Each month, beginning in puberty, a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries. This process is known as ovulation. (It usually that it takes two years or more for ovulation to begin to occur regularly. After regular ovulation occurs, the menstrual cycle becomes more predictable. )A woman has two ovaries. These small, almond-shaped glands hold and develop a woman's eggs. Each month, beginning in puberty, a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries. This process is known as ovulation. (It usually that it takes two years or more for ovulation to begin to occur regularly. After regular ovulation occurs, the menstrual cycle becomes more predictable. )
A woman has two ovaries. These small, almond-shaped glands hold and develop a woman's eggs. Each month, beginning in puberty, a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries. This process is known as ovulation. (It usually that it takes two years or more for ovulation to begin to occur regularly. After regular ovulation occurs, the menstrual cycle becomes more predictable. )
Mouse over the parts of the female reproductive system to  see more detail.
Stages of a woman's life:

Adolescense  >>>  Puberty >>> Menstruation and/or Pregnancy >>> Perimenopause >>> Menopause

Adolescense
From birth to the begining of puberty, the human body will undergo drastic changes as it matures from a newborn baby into a young adult. When changes begin occuring in the reproductive system, brought on by reproductive hormone changes, puberty begins.

Puberty
Most girls will enter into puberty sometime between the ages of 8 to 16 years of age. It is a process - it doesn't just happen overnight. There are many physical changes that will occur, including bone structure development, changes in body fat and muscle composition and hormonal changes. The hormonal changes will bring about differences in body chemicals that can result in oily skin, change in body odor, mood swings, bloating and more. Changes will also occur in the reproductive organs as they mature.
























Adulthood -

Menstruation and/or Pregnancy
Whether or not a woman becomes pregnant after ovulation and menstruation begin occuring regularly, her body begins cycling monthly through many complex chemical and biological changes each month. Although the human body has adaptive mechanisms to deal with these changes, some women do experience pain and difficulty with monthly periods and some have complications during pregnancy.

Each month, a woman's body prepares itself in case pregnancy occurs:
  • An egg is released from one of the ovaries. This process is known as ovulation.
  • When the egg leaves the ovary, it is caught by the fringes located at the end of one of the fallopian tubes. It then travels through the tube toward the uterus. Fertilization, the joining of an egg and sperm cell, can occur if sperm are present in the female body close to the time of ovulation. This process takes place in the fallopian tube.
  • If fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg (embryo) will travel down the fallopian tube, into the uterus, where it will attach to the uterine lining. The endometrium or uterine lining, thickens to nourish a developing fetus.
The body also has provisions in case the egg isn't fertilized and the woman doesn't become pregnant.
  • The endometrium is shed. Menstruation refers to the passing out of the body, of the blood, tissue and fluids that make up endometrium.

Pregnancy typically lasts 40 weeks, or 9 months, divided into three time periods called trimesters. Each trimester is approximately three months long. During these time periods, the body is changing daily. The following booklet is provided by the Department of Health and Human Services of Texas and it details the development of the fetus as well as other relevant information.

Download  "A Woman's Right to Know" Booklet




Perimenopause and Menopause
Women normally go through perimenopause between ages 45 and 55, but some women start perimenopause earlier, even in their 30s. When perimenopause starts, and how long it lasts varies from woman to women. You will likely notice menopause-related symptoms, such as changes in periods.

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when you start to notice menopause-related changes--plus the year after menopause. Perimenopause is what some people call "being in menopause" or "going through menopause."  But menopause itself is only one day--the day you haven’t had a period for 12 months in a row. During perimenopause, your ovaries start to shut down, making less of certain hormones (estrogen and progesterone), and you begin to lose the ability to become pregnant. This change is a natural part of aging that signals the ending of your reproductive years.

Menopause affects every woman differently. Your only symptom may be your period stopping. You may have other symptoms, too. Many symptoms at this time of life are because of just getting older. But some are due to approaching menopause. Menopause-related symptoms you might have during perimenopause include:

Changes in pattern of periods (can be shorter or longer, lighter or heavier, more or less time between periods)
  • Hot flashes (sudden rush of heat in upper body)
  • Night sweats (hot flashes that happen while you sleep), often followed by a chill
  • Trouble sleeping through the night (with or without night sweats)
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Mood changes, feeling crabby (probably because of lack of sleep)
  • Trouble focusing, feeling mixed-up or confused
  • Hair loss or thinning on your head, more hair growth on your face

You can get pregnant until you’ve gone 12 months in a row without a period. Talk to your doctor about your birth control options. Keep in mind that birth control pills, shots, implants, or diaphragms will not protect you from STDs or HIV. If you use one of these methods, be sure also to use a latex condom or dental dam (used for oral sex) correctly every time you have sexual contact. Be aware that condoms don't provide complete protection against STDs and HIV--the only sure protection is abstinence (not having sex of any kind). But making sure to always use--and correctly use--latex condoms and other barrier methods can help protect you from STDs.
Note:   Pregnancy can occur anytime after a girl has her first period!