Tanner Stages of Puberty

The Tanner Scale is a physical reference for the stages of development in girls and boys, from prepubescence through puberty to adolescence to adulthood.

For girls, it references breast development and the growth of pubic hair.

The first stage: prepubertal (before puberty) — flat chest, undeveloped areolae. There is no pubic hair yet.

The second stage: breast buds grow, and the areola widens. There is some pubic hair right above the vagina.

The third stage: breasts begin to grow, and the areola becomes larger. There is more curly pubic hair.

The fourth stage: breasts grow more, the areola forms as a lump, and pubic hair increases.

The fifth stage: breasts are fully grown, the areola is now flush with breast surface, and the nipple sticks outward. Pubic hair is fully grown and grows to the thighs. Girls stop growing and reach their adult height.