The onset of puberty in girls usually starts at around the age of 10. Girls on the average start their growth spurt between the ages of 10 and 14, about a year before boys. This is the reason girls are often taller than boys of the same age in early adolescence. The growth spurt in girls is also shorter than in boys. Before girls start menstruating they have already reached close to their maximum height. The period of intense growth occurs from 6 to 12 months before menstruation begins. In females, the growth in height during puberty is accompanied by an increase in hip width.