Puberty & Teenagers

As girls transition to adolescence, there are several physical and emotional changes that occur. Puberty in females is driven by hormones, including Oestrogen. Puberty commonly starts between about 8 and 13. Most girls will finish puberty by 16, but some may not stop developing until 18.

Changes that girls can expect during puberty include:

  • Ovaries get larger and production of hormones begins.
  • Girls will also start ovulating and menstruating (most often called ‘having a period’).
  • Cramping, headaches, dizziness or diarrhoea when menstruating.
  • Breasts begin to bud and can be become tender.
  • Nipples will become more pronounced and raised.
  • Increase in height and weight.
  • Glands make more sweat and oil, causing body odour and acne.
  • Hair growth near the pubic area and underarms.
  • Mood changes stemming from hormone changes.

Adolescent girls are notoriously moody, secretive and embarrassed to talk about their changing bodies. It is important for them to be aware of the changes that will be happening to their bodies before their periods begin. BOMIMO wants to empower girls to feel free to ask questions surrounding the changes they are experiencing, to have a healthy transition to womanhood. 

Which Hormones Commonly Cause Problems for Teenage Girls?

  • Progesterone – This hormone is produced by the ovaries and increases production during ovulation. Low progesterone can cause headaches, anxiety and irregular periods. Progesterone also plays a part in balancing oestrogen, so when progesterone is low, dominant oestrogen can create its own set of problems.
  • Oestrogen – An oestrogen imbalance can impact every aspect of a young woman’s life. Too much oestrogen can cause weight gain, tender breasts, mood swings and PMS. Too little oestrogen can cause hot flashes, UTIs, fatigue, body pain and difficulties concentrating.
  • Cortisol – Cortisol is commonly called “the stress hormone.” Excess cortisol can cause weight gain, anxiety and depression in teenage girls. Low cortisol leads to fatigue and weight loss.
  • Thyroid hormones – Hyperthyroidism, or too much thyroid hormone can cause anxiety, weight loss, heart palpitations and fatigue among other symptoms. Hypothyroid, or low thyroid hormone levels, also lead to fatigue but can cause weight gain, depression, dry skin and hair and irregular periods.
  • Testosterone – Teenage girls also have testosterone and it is one of the culprits of PCOS but can also cause other health issues.

In most cases, moods and changes in appearance are blamed on the shifting hormones of the teenage years. But sometimes, these symptoms may indicate a health issue? Teenage hormones may be in a state of flux, but they can still become unbalanced due to a variety of underlying causes. 

What Are the Symptoms of Teenage Hormone Imbalance?

Imbalance of hormones may result in many symptoms which can impact every aspect of a teenager's life. There are many symptoms, that can occur in various combinations, depending on a teenager’s specific hormonal issues:

  • Irregular periods
  • Painful periods (Dysmenorrhoea) 
  • Premenstrual Syndrome (bloating, headaches, and moodiness)
  • Increased sensitivity to cold or heat
  • Constipation or more frequent bowel movements
  • Dry skin or acne
  • Puffy or rounded face
  • Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
  • Increased or decreased heart rate
  • Muscle weakness
  • Frequent urination
  • Increased thirst
  • Pain or stiffness in muscles or joints
  • Hair loss or fine, brittle hair
  • Increased hunger
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Blurred vision
  • Sweating
  • A fatty hump between the shoulders
  • Purple or pink stretch marks
  • Hot flashes
  • Sugar cravings
  • Fluid retention
  • Brain fog
  • Insomnia & fatigue

What Treatments Are Available for Teen Hormone Imbalance?

Treatments will vary according to the hormones involved and the severity of the imbalance. However, in many cases, supplements and lifestyle changes can offer relief from symptoms. This is why BOMIMO has created The Hebe Shake, which has been specifically formulated for teenager girls to support them throughout puberty and to contribute to alleviating the symptoms of hormonal imbalance during puberty and the teenage years.