Dear xrachelx,

Puberty starts at different times for different people. A girl or guy may show some signs of puberty at an early age (like breasts beginning to grow or a voice that's starting to crack), but may not show other signs of puberty until she or he is much older (like getting a period or growing facial hair). Believe it or not, it can take up to 20 years of age for all changes to take place.

Girls often feel anxiety over breast development — whether they feel like their breasts are too big, too small, different sizes, or different shapes. We are all very different, and that is normal.

If you'd really like to minimize the size of your breasts, your first step might be to get measured for a bra by a salesperson at a department store or lingerie shop. Often, girls with large breasts will wear bras that are too small for them because they think it will make their breasts look smaller. But this can be very uncomfortable, and it can actually make breasts look bigger. You could also ask the salesperson if her store carries minimizer bras that are designed to help make the breasts appear smaller.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.