You should take any signs of precocious puberty seriously but without alarm.
It's not common for children to show signs of puberty, which can be a cause for concern for mothers, especially if the onset is at an early age, such as before the age of ten. This can cause confusion in mothers' minds about what is normal and what requires a visit to the doctor.
In this report, we will attempt to explain the concept of precocious puberty, clarify the precautions that mothers should take with their children, and the difference between the signs of puberty and precocious puberty.
precocious puberty
Precocious puberty is the early onset of a child's body transitioning into an adult. Normal puberty begins on average between the ages of 8 and 13 for girls and between the ages of 9 and 14 for boys.
Doctors diagnose the condition when puberty begins early and continues through growth spurts and bone maturation.
The exact cause of precocious puberty is unknown, but its clear signs are observed in girls before the age of 8 and in boys before the age of 9. On average, it affects one child in every 5,000.
Two types of precocious puberty
According to WebMD , there are two types of precocious puberty: central and peripheral, or pseudopuberty.
The signs of central precocious puberty are similar to those of normal puberty, but they occur earlier. The pituitary gland begins producing hormones called gonadotropins, which trigger the release of other hormones, such as testosterone or estrogen. These hormones, in turn, cause the changes of puberty, such as breast development in girls.
Peripheral precocious puberty , or pseudoprecocious puberty, is a different, less common condition in which estrogen and testosterone trigger the symptoms, but the brain and pituitary gland are not involved.
The problem is usually localized in the ovaries in girls, or the adrenal gland, or an overactive thyroid gland.
Early signs of puberty can be a source of concern for both girls and parents, especially when signs of puberty appear without menstruation, which usually begins in a girl's life 2-3 years after the physical signs of puberty appear.
The mother should take her daughter to a specialist if the symptoms are frightening or cause her concern and discomfort, such as the appearance of hair in certain areas of the body, which is caused by the adrenal gland secreting hormones prematurely.
According to doctors, this is not the only or primary sign of puberty, and it usually does not require drug treatment, except in some cases.
Symptoms of precocious puberty
The signs of normal puberty and precocious puberty are usually the same in girls; the only difference is the timing. Signs include:
Breasts begin to grow, and this growth is the first sign, with rapid and noticeable growth in height, the appearance of acne, and a different body odor.
Causes of precocious puberty
In most cases, experts don't know what causes central precocious puberty, especially in girls. However, sometimes a medical problem can lead to central precocious puberty.
Puberty before the age of six
Some girls may start puberty before the age of six, and there are a number of common reasons for this:
- Tumors that are often benign.
- Brain injury, whether from surgery, a blow, or an accident to the head, affects hormonal balance.
- Encephalitis, which can sometimes occur as a result of an infection.
Is precocious puberty dangerous?
Although rare, girls are 10 times more likely to develop signs of precocious puberty than boys.
Although these symptoms are not dangerous in and of themselves, what should be considered are the reasons for their appearance, especially if they are linked to the common causes mentioned above.
Researchers don't know why girls' puberty ages vary by race, but African American girls appear to reach puberty about a year earlier than white girls.
Some studies also suggest a link between obesity in young girls and an increased risk of early puberty. However, researchers don't know how direct the link is, as obesity does not appear to be linked to early puberty in boys.
Diagnosis of precocious puberty
To find out if your daughter has signs of precocious puberty, your doctor may:
- Review family medical history.
- Body check.
- Have a blood test to check hormone levels.
- X-rays of the hand and wrist to check bone age. This is an important indicator if the bones are growing too quickly.
If the doctor sees signs that your child has precocious puberty, he or she will also perform a test to determine the type (central or peripheral).
To perform a GnRH stimulation test, your doctor will check your child's response to hormones over time through a series of blood samples.
If other hormones are elevated, this is a sign of central precocious puberty. If hormone levels remain the same, this is a sign of peripheral precocious puberty.
Facts and information
Precocious puberty may cause some physical and psychological problems, such as:
- Short stature: While children with precocious puberty are often tall compared to their peers, growth may stop once they pass puberty.
- Behavioral problems: Some studies have found a link between early puberty and behavioral problems, but some experts say the evidence is weak.
- Early sexual activity: There is no strong evidence that children who go through early puberty are more sexually active.
- Stress: Even when it happens to 12-year-olds, puberty can be a confusing time, but a daughter may feel embarrassed about looking different from her peers.
A mother should help her daughter understand the physical, hormonal, and psychological changes that are occurring, and the psychological support and care that this requires from her parents.
Some studies have also found a link between early puberty in girls and a slightly increased risk of breast cancer later in life, but the evidence is unclear.
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