Early Puberty in Girls

Puberty usually occurs in girls between ages ten and fourteen. Early on-set is called precocious puberty.

Symptoms

• Precocious puberty presents with the same physical and emotional changes as puberty at an older age. The first sign is usually breast development, followed by public hair growth and acne.

Disadvantages

• There are usually no long lasting effects to precocious puberty. The biggest concern is that early growth spurts could lead to being shorter than average as an adult.

Causes

• Seventy-five percent of precocious puberty cases have no underlying medical reason. On set is triggered by hormones. In most cases, the pituitary gland just begins producing hormones at an earlier age than average. In extremely rare cases, a tumor of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus may be to blame.

Treatment

• Treatment, if necessary is possible. If a tumor is not the underlying cause, hormones can be prescribed to temporarily delay the on-set of puberty.

Side Effects

• Side effects of hormones are minimal. Once the medication is stopped, puberty will start again as normal. While on the hormones, frequent check-ups with a physician are necessary to monitor growth and hormone levels.

Support

• Most children find it difficult to be considered different. If your daughter is experiencing early puberty, be honest and open with her about what is going on. Be sure to let her act her age, not the age she looks.