Physical Changes In Girls- The Vagina

In the vagina, due to the effect of estrogen hormone,  the perenial skin keratinizes , increasing its resistance to infection. The mucosal memebrane also changes with the effect of eostrogen in the vagina, which makes it thicker and duller pink in colour in contrast to the red colour of the pre -pubertal vaginal mucosa. The mucosa memebrane is made of ephithelium and its functions include absorption and secretion. Gradually this mucosa membrane changes into a multilayered structure with superficial squamous cells. The estrogen hormone also plays a role in increasing the glycogen level , which plays an important role in maintaining the vaginal pH. Maintaining the vaginal pH is important  to prevent infections. Also when sexually aroused a whitish or yellowish , thick liquid gushes out. This effect is also because of estrogen. It is usually called vaginal discharge or leukorrhea. In the two years of the thelarche, the ovaries, uterus and the follicles in the ovaries increase in size. The ovaries contain small follicle cysts which can be viewed by ultrasound.