Girls are usually at physical maturity by this stage and have fully developed reproductive organs.

Although your daughter may have reached her full adult height, her weight may continue to increase.

Slight 'chubbiness' is common and may be a source of insecurity. Try to keep an eye on your teen's eating habits in case she begins to skip meals in attempts to lose weight.

Keep it in proportion
You may need to remind her of the importance of a balanced diet and the fact that her body will continue to change and she'll lose any plumpness.

Difficult periods?
Most girls now have a fairly regular menstrual cycle, although it may be longer than the standard 28 days and may take a few years to fully mature. Some girls continue to suffer painful cramps or begin to experience pre-menstrual bloating, skin problems and moodiness.

Your doctor can help these symptoms. It's an important time for her, academically and socially, so don't be fobbed off with 'it's just her age'.

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