Let’s be real: puberty can feel like someone shook up your insides and forgot to tell you why. One day you’re fine. The next, you’re crying at a pasta advert, breaking out for no reason, or wondering if your brain’s been replaced with a rollercoaster.
Spoiler: that’s hormones. And no, you’re not going mad.
We’ve teamed up with Ms Michelle Swer, consultant gynaecologist at London Gynaecology, to explain exactly what’s going on - minus the fluff, fear, or science-overload. Just clear answers about what’s happening to your body and brain, and how to ride the wave with confidence.
First up: What are hormones - and why do they make teens feel so up and down?
You’ve probably heard the word “hormones” a lot… especially when someone’s blaming them for a mood swing. But what actually are they?
Ms Swer breaks it down like this:
“Hormones are chemicals made by glands in your body to control how different parts of your body work. The main ones for puberty and periods are the pituitary hormones (FSH and LH), the ovary hormones (oestrogen and progesterone), and then some adrenal and testosterone (yes, even in girls!) hormones which are responsible for hair growth and skin changes.”
In other words, hormones are like text messages your brain sends to your body. And during your teen years, they’re basically hitting “send” a lot - triggering big changes like breast development, body hair, skin changes, and eventually, periods.
So if you’re feeling different lately? That’s not all in your head - it’s biology doing its thing.
What age do hormones start to change, and what are the first signs?
Puberty doesn’t come with a countdown clock, but most people notice changes starting somewhere between 8 and 13.
According to Ms Swer:
“Your hormones start to change anywhere from the age of 8 - 13, and the first sign is often breast buds or discharge (a white/yellowish wetness in the knickers).”
Yep, discharge is totally normal. And breast buds? They might feel like tiny lumps or tenderness under the skin - nothing to panic about, just your body kicking off its development journey.
Can you have hormonal changes before your first period?
Short answer? Absolutely.
Your period isn’t the starting line - it’s more like a checkpoint. A lot of hormonal stuff happens before the bleeding starts.
Ms Swer explains:
“Yes - breast development and body odour can start up to 2–3 years before your first period. Puberty tends to happen in a fairly predictable order: breast changes, discharge, body hair, mood changes, growth spurt, and finally your first period.”
So if you’re getting mood swings or discharge but haven’t had a period yet - that doesn’t mean something’s off. It just means your body’s building up to it.
Why are my moods all over the place? Am I being dramatic?
Nope, you're not being “too much” - you’re being hormonal (and human). It’s not an excuse - it’s a reason. Big emotions are part of the ride.
Here’s what’s happening under the surface, according to Ms Swer:
“Hormones can have a strong effect on mood, particularly oestrogen and progesterone. If these hormones are rising and falling erratically (which they do at the start of puberty and also after the first period for a while), then the impact on mood can be quite intense.
“It can feel like tearfulness, low mood, irritability, and even sadness around 1–2 weeks before a period. This is called premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and affects 7–8 out of 10 women to some degree.”
So next time you’re crying over a broken nail or suddenly need to listen to sad songs for three hours? It’s not weird. It’s hormonal - and completely valid.
How can teens support their hormones and feel more balanced?
OK, so hormones are doing the most - but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. There are ways to support your body and feel more like yourself.
Ms Swer suggests a few simple (but effective) things:
“Sleep, stress, and sugar can all affect your hormones. Try to maintain regular sleep, avoid very high sugar and caffeine foods (e.g. energy drinks), and manage stress through activities such as journaling, meditation, exercise, or talking to friends and family.”
You don’t have to overhaul your life. Even small changes - like walking after school, ditching that third Monster can, or getting 8 hours of sleep - can help level things out.
When should a teen see a doctor about their hormones?
Most hormonal changes are a normal part of growing up - but sometimes, it’s worth checking in with a doctor. Not because something’s definitely wrong, but because knowledge is power.
Here’s what Ms Swer advises:
“If a teen has not started any signs of puberty (no breast development or discharge) by age 13, or has not had a period by age 15, then it is worth seeing a doctor. Also, if there is severe acne, hair growth in unusual places (e.g. chest, tummy, chin), or very irregular and painful periods - these could be signs of hormonal imbalance.”
And remember: seeing a doctor doesn’t mean there’s something wrong. It just means you’re checking in on your body - like a self-care pit stop.
Final thoughts
Hormones get a bad rap - but really, they’re just doing their job. Yes, they can make things messy. But they’re also a huge part of what helps you grow, feel, change, and evolve.
Whether you're starting puberty, smack in the middle of it, or just trying to make sense of the mood swings - know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not broken. Your body is learning. So are you.
Be kind to it. Fuel it. Rest it. Talk about it. And if you ever feel overwhelmed by it all, don’t keep it in. You’ve got people (and period pants) who’ve got your back.
Related posts
What’s Happening to the Brain During Puberty?
Talking About Periods with Teens
From Firsts Periods to Last: Why Talking Across Generations Matters