Wondering what’s up with that hair growing … where!?! Ew, are those (gulp) stretch marks? And why is your period so darn unpredictable? Stop scratching your head and keep reading as we clear up some of the confusion.

“I got my first period (finally) and then … nothing. It’s been about three months, and I haven’t gotten it again. Is this normal?”
It’s not unusual at all for your period to “sputter” after making its first appearance. For some girls, it just takes time for their bodies to adjust and get into a rhythm. If you don’t menstruate again at the one-year mark, ask a parent to make you an appointment with a gynecologist. Your body gave you a little preview of what’s to come, but your menstrual cycle should fall into a regular pattern as puberty progresses. If you’re an older teen, around 16 or 17, see your doc now to make sure something isn’t delaying your development. But many girls are simply late-bloomers, and that’s not a bad thing.

“Some hairs have suddenly sprouted, um, around my nipples. I haven’t told anyone about this. Help, please!”
Surprise! During puberty, you will begin to grow hair in places you’ve never had it before, particularly under the arms and in the pubic area. And, yes, some girls sprout a few around their boobs, so don’t be freaked. This might go away as your hormones settle down, but it could be ongoing. Still, it’s no biggie, especially if the hair is fine in texture and light in color. But if it’s dark and coarse -- and really bothers you -- talk to your mom or other mature female relative about bleaching or using an over-the-counter depilatory. If “some hair” means a whole bunch, show your doctor so he can check for a hormonal imbalance.

“I’ve noticed some red lines around my hips. I think they might be stretch marks -- and they’re ugly! What should I do?”
Yep, those sound like stretch marks -- but don’t distress. Lots of girls (and guys) develop stretch marks during spurts when the skin just can’t keep up with the rest of the body’s growth. First, the bad news: There’s absolutely nothing you can do about them. But the good news is this: They will naturally fade over time from that standout purplish-red color to a much less noticeable translucent hue that’s closer to your skin tone. Stretch marks, just like irregular periods and unwanted hair growth, are a fact of life for many girls. Don’t dwell on slight imperfections -- instead, embrace all your beautiful attributes!

Jealous that your BFF can eat half a dozen cupcakes without gaining an ounce? Or maybe you hate your muscle-thick thighs because you want lanky legs like Taylor Swift’s. Or have you been wishing really hard that your boobs were … different?

Fat butt, pointy boobs, muffin top … stop that right now! As they say in Hollywood, image is everything. And if you have a positive self-image, you’ll project that. It’s totally true that when you feel good, you look good. Here’s how to love and embrace your body -- and stop wishing you had someone else’s.

Body Slam: “I’m so fat!”
Here’s something any naturally skinny girl will tell you: “I hate my [fill in the blank].” Just because bony chicks never (seem to) gain weight doesn’t mean they don’t have their own gripes. They might think they have ugly feet or big ears or wish they had a “better” butt. Get it?

Image Makeover: Did you know the average age a female starts dieting is 8 years old? Isn’t that hard to read? Girl, let’s eat! But let’s not devour a whole row of cookies. Simply eat until you’re full at meals. Hint: This does not mean feeling like you’re about to burst.

Body Slam: “No amount of exercise will change my shape.”
Actually, it will. Giving up is the main reason people fail to meet their exercise goals. A few weeks of some bo-ring fitness regimen, and your brain muscle is associating the whole deal with suffering. No wonder it feels like a lost cause.

Image Makeover: Ever notice how groups of athletes have similar body builds? Swimmer guys -- rawr! -- with broad, built shoulders? Lean soccer players? Ballerinas and B-girls? This is because they repeatedly use the same muscle groups. If you play to your bod’s strengths, you’ll love how it develops. But take up activities you enjoy. Hit Skateland for weekly open rink sessions. Ride your bike for a half hour every day. Dance to your favorite music vids. Bust a move!

Body Slam: “Celebs are all so much better looking than me.”
Taylor Swift is pretty, and the record execs who pick teen sensations took one look at her and saw dollar signs. Taylor wasn’t put into the recording studio just because of her voice -- the industry wanted you to covet her looks. And it worked. You love those legs, that hair, whatever … and you buy her music. You feeling bad about yourself because she is cute makes no sense.

Image Makeover: Taylor works it, but even she has insecurities. She’s said she feels like she towers over guys. She also fights frizzies. She has her crud, you have yours -- all girls do! And not to be mean, but ever notice how Taylor gets dumped by all her dudes? Long legs aren’t everything.

Body Slam: “I hate my boobs!”
Teens are especially hard on themselves about their boobs because, well, they’re very new to you. It’s only been a minute, but already you wish they were bigger or smaller or had different nipples. Enough!

Image Makeover: Who are these “perfect” boobs for? Your to-do: Buy the prettiest, best-fitting bra you can find and think of it as part of the whole boobie package. Boobs come in all fabulous shapes and sizes, so stop with the self-sabotage.

You want to have smooth legs, silky underarms and a clean bikini line -- but you’re completely clueless? Not anymore. Read on:

Girls’ Shaving Tip No. 1: How to Ask Mom
What’s a girl to do about this hairy situation? There’s no “right” age to begin shaving. Some girls start younger because their hair is dark, while others wait a little longer. The best way to bring it up to your mom is to ask when she first started shaving. Then say, “Some of my friends shave. Do you think I’m ready?”

Girls’ Shaving Tip No. 2: Realize It’s a Choice
Getting rid of body hair is not required. A lot of girls choose not to shave because they think it’s a hassle. Some girls shave only in the summer, and others shave just their pits to prevent underarm odor. Don’t shave because your friends do. If you decide to shave, do it because it’s what you want. When your friends ask about it, just tell them you don’t want to be a slave to the shave!

Girls’ Shaving Tip No. 3: Know Your Stuff
First, buy a good razor. It doesn’t need to be super-expensive -- go for an affordable one that lets you replace the blade heads. We like those with triple blades and a pivoting head.

Many girls shave in the shower. But when you’re first starting out, shaving your legs by sitting on the edge of the tub might be easier. Here’s how:

1.  Dampen legs with a wet washcloth. Never shave legs when they’re dry.

2.  Slather on shaving gel, plain soap or bodywash.

3.  Begin directly above your ankle, and gently pull the razor upward in a straight line. Don't press the razor too hard -- it should glide along your skin’s surface. Rinse the razor after each stroke.

4.  Slow down when shaving around bony parts, such as knees, shins and ankles. Many girls that are first learning to shave stop just below the knee.

5.  Pat legs dry with a clean towel. Moisturize with unscented body lotion to keep razor burn at bay.

Girls’ Shaving Tip No. 4: Never Shave Your Arms
Shaving will only make the hair on your arms grow back darker and coarser. This goes for facial hair, too, girls. If this is a big concern, ask your parents about the option to bleach your arm hair.

Don’t know the first thing about zit zapping? Whether you get the occasional pesky pimple or all-out acne breakouts, here are the best ways to banish blemishes and rid yourself of pimples for good.

Step 1: Wash your face.
You must use a gentle cleanser (not harsh soap!) on your face in the morning and at night. Keeping skin clean is imperative to zapping zits and preventing more outbreaks. Just lather the cleanser into your hands or a soft cloth -- nothing coarse, which could irritate -- and gently apply to your face (keep away from eyes!). Rinse well and dry with a clean towel. Toss the cloth and towel into the laundry, as reusing them can spread pimple-producing bacteria.

Step 2: Try a home remedy.
If you only have a few zits to zap, some people swear by tea tree oil (available in health food stores) or toothpaste. Just dab a little on the affected spot and leave on overnight. (Do not try these remedies if you have sensitive skin.)

Step 3: Hit the drugstore.
Are your pimples persistent? Head to the pharmacy for an over-the-counter treatment. Choose a product that contains hydrogen peroxide or salicylic acid -- both antibacterial agents -- then carefully follow the directions on the product packaging.

Step 4: Go easy on the makeup.
You might be tempted to cover up your zits with makeup, but cosmetics tend to worsen the problem. If you insist on wearing any makeup, go with oil-free water-based products -- and be sure to wash it off before you go to bed. Also, keep your hands and hair, which carry oils, away from your face. Updo, anyone?

Step 5: See a dermatologist.
If you’ve tried everything but you’re still losing the battle to chronic acne, talk to your parents about making an appointment for you to see a dermatologist. This is a doctor who specializes in skin care, and he or she will prescribe effective medication or another appropriate treatment regimen faster than you can say “Buh-bye, blemishes!”

Sure, you and your mother -- or aunt or grandma or stepmom -- might not always look at things from the same angle. Put your differences aside for a while and do a few simple things to let Mom know she’s an awesome parent!

1. Tell her a secret.
“My mom is always asking questions like a detective,” says GWD reader Laura, 13. “‘Who did you sit with at lunch?’ ‘Who are you talking to online?’ I feel like she doesn’t trust me anymore!”

It’s not about trust. She’s interested because she loves you. So give her some gab: You’re in control of what you wanna spill. But the more you share, the less she’ll pry.

2. Spin some cool tunes.
Turn your mother on to a new band or musician you love. Teach her a dance step (as long as she pinkie-swears she won’t do it in public!). Then, have your mom introduce you to some of her favorite songs from her teen years. Music is a great way to connect and find out more about a person.

3. Ask embarrassing questions.
Talking to your mom about female stuff can feel a little awkward, but your mom is such a good resource. Whether you’re having problems with your menstrual cycle or are completely confused about cramps, just keep it casual. Take a straight-up approach and start by saying something like, “Mom, how old were you when you got your period?” She’ll be glad you asked.

4. Make some artwork.
Take any piece of artwork you’ve done -- photograph, poem, painting -- and put it in a frame. (You can pick up an inexpensive frame at discount stores.) Moms love handcrafted presents from their kids -- no matter how old you are!

5. Give her a journal.
Buy a blank diary, and on the first page, write a message of gratitude for something your mom has instilled in you through the years: “Thank you for teaching me the value of hard work” or “Thanks for always believing in me.” Every time she opens the book, she’ll be reminded of how much she’s loved and appreciated.

6. Hang out with her.
Make some plans with your mom. Check your local paper for free activities, such as community sporting events or outdoor music festivals. Or have a mother-daughter slumber party: Give each other manicures, pedicures and facials. Fun!