Premature Pubic Hair Growth

Pubic hair growth is a natural occurrence for every male and female during the years of puberty. Females begin puberty between the ages of 8 and 13, according to Kids Growth. Males normally begin puberty between the ages of 9 and 14 years of age. Sometimes puberty begins a few years earlier than normal and one of the tell tale signs is premature pubic hair growth.

Definition

• The University of California Santa Barbara defines pubic hair as hair that grows on the crotch, above the genitals and along the upper and inside thigh area. Pubic hair occurs during the years of puberty in both males and females.

Causes

• Premature pubic hair growth is the result a condition called, precocious puberty. This condition occurs when male and female children start puberty before they reach the normal age for it to begin.

Identification

• Pubic hair is thicker, coarser and often curlier than the hair found on other parts of the body, with the exception of the underarm area. Pubic hair is not to be confused with the fine hairs (vellus hair) present in the crotch area of children, according to the UCSB.

Risks

• Being female, African-American, obese and having exposure to estrogen or testosterone are risk factors for premature pubic hair growth, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other risk factors include medical conditions that affect the endocrine system, specifically the gonads (reproductive glands).

Treatment

• Treating the onset of precocious puberty will treat premature pubic hair growth. Monthly injections of leuprolide will delay the progression of puberty until the child reaches the normal age of puberty. If an underlying medical condition is the cause, treating the medical condition should stop the early progression of puberty.