Which statement about puberty timing in girls is correct?

Which statement about puberty timing in girls is correct?

• A. Pubic hair develops before breast buds
• B. The peak growth spurt occurs after menarche
• C. Thelarche precedes menarche
• D. Menarche typically occurs before age 9

Answer: (C)

Puberty in girls follows a typical sequence: the first sign is thelarche, the breast buds, which marks the onset of puberty and usually occurs around ages 8 to 13. After thelarche, a rapid growth spurt occurs and secondary sexual characteristics develop, with menarche—the first menstrual period—occurring later, typically about 2 to 3 years after thelarche, often around age 12 to 13. Because thelarche comes before menarche, the statement that thelarche precedes menarche is correct. The peak growth spurt occurs before menarche, not after, and menarche before age 9 is not typical. Pubic hair development generally follows the onset of breast development in the early pubertal course.

Puberty in girls follows a typical sequence: the first sign is thelarche, the breast buds, which marks the onset of puberty and usually occurs around ages 8 to 13. After thelarche, a rapid growth spurt occurs and secondary sexual characteristics develop, with menarche—the first menstrual period—occurring later, typically about 2 to 3 years after thelarche, often around age 12 to 13. Because thelarche comes before menarche, the statement that thelarche precedes menarche is correct. The peak growth spurt occurs before menarche, not after, and menarche before age 9 is not typical. Pubic hair development generally follows the onset of breast development in the early pubertal course.