What are the signs of early puberty in children?

Ask:

My daughter is only 8 years old but her breasts have already developed. I am worried that my daughter is going through puberty early, doctor?

Nguyen Thuy Loan (Hanoi)

MSc. Dr. Ngo Thi Cam, Pediatrics, Medlatec Tay Ho General Clinic answered:

Puberty is an important turning point, marking the stage of physical and psychological maturity of the child. Puberty represents the maturity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal endocrine axis. In women, the first sign of puberty is breast development.

In men, the first sign of puberty is testicular enlargement, when the testicles increase in size to a volume of ≥ 4ml, or a length of ≥ 2.5cm. There are many causes of early puberty in children. Therefore, parents need to closely monitor their children's psychological and physiological changes to detect abnormal signs warning of early puberty in children so that they can take their children to the doctor promptly.

If parents see that their child develops faster than their peers, for example, a girl before the age of 9 has developed breasts and pubic hair, or a boy before the age of 9 has developed testicles and penis size, they should take their child to a medical facility for examination to see if early puberty is causing "strange" manifestations of the body.

To diagnose and find the cause of precocious puberty, the doctor will perform a clinical examination and order some blood tests and imaging tests. After having a definitive diagnosis, the doctor will provide timely treatment and treatment for the child.

To effectively prevent early puberty, parents need to develop a scientific, reasonable diet, balance fresh and clean food sources, do not contain genetically modified substances/growth hormones, avoid using fast food or food containing a lot of oil and fat; increase physical activities for children with appropriate sports; avoid exposing children to cosmetics and drugs containing Estrogen and Testosterone which will cause imbalance of sex hormones.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/dau-hieu-nao-nhan-biet-day-thi-som-o-tre-192240926222843348.htm