In the past, the onset of puberty in young people with CF was delayed by up to two years. Now, with the dramatic improvements in treatments, most people with CF start puberty around the same time as those without CF (remembering that the timing of puberty varies in all people).
For females, this means developing breasts, growing hair in new places (underarm and pubic), growing taller (growth spurt) and getting your period.
Everyone else is like “Oh I woke up with these amazing boobs” and I’M LIKE STILL WAITING..
For males, this means growing hair in new places (face, chest, underarm and pubic), growing taller and getting more muscly, your voice breaking and having wet dreams.
“All of a sudden my friends were talking about, you know, PUBIC HAIR and I’m like NOTHING’S HAPPENING.”
Delayed puberty, a later growth spurt and onset of periods (menarche) are more likely in people who have had trouble gaining weight or who have reduced lung function. Good nutrition helps young people to reach their full potential, both in terms of growth and puberty.
Part of CF care involves assessing growth and pubertal development. Puberty and the production of sex hormones (oestrogen and testosterone) are important for bone development and growth. Some people with CF are concerned by their delayed growth and/or pubertal development. It is important to discuss concerns about puberty with your CF team as treatments may be available.
For females, the average age of a first period is 12-13, however it can really start anytime between the ages of 8 and 14. The age you get your period can be delayed with reduced lung function.
It’s also worth knowing that loss of your period (called secondary amenorrhea) can happen with significant changes in your weight. Improving your nutritional status, weight and lung function can help restore your periods.
If you have CF and identify as transgender and gender diverse (TGD), you are important and have unique health needs too.
You should always feel free to talk to your GP (local doctor) about your needs. If your doctor doesn’t make you feel comfortable, fire them, and find another doctor.
These days, young people feel a lot of pressure to conform to a particular body shape.
The pressure has always been there, it’s just much more apparent now, through social media especially. Social media can make you feel like you are not ‘enough’ – not skinny enough, not curvy enough, not tall enough, not pretty enough, not muscly enough… you get the picture.
As young people we can waste so much of our precious time trying to be someone we are not and trying to conform to the ‘norm!’ It’s worth noting that ALL young people feel this way, with and without CF.
Yes, CF can certainly throw in different elements to body image, your weight might not be right, you may have scars…
Make friends with your body and treat it well.
Everyone’s experience of body image is unique and access to effective services is essential. Find out more at Butterfly Foundation.
The views, experiences or comments shared on this website are not medical advice and may not reflect opinions or beliefs of Cystic Fibrosis Community Care. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health.
