Early puberty refers to the onset of sexual development before the age of 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys and their first signs are the onset of menstruation in girls and an increase in the testicles in boys, for example.
Early puberty can have different causes, identified by the pediatrician through imaging tests and blood tests. Thus, depending on the signs and symptoms of the child and the results of the scans, the doctor may indicate the initiation of specific treatment to avoid possible complications.
- Puberty usually begins in girls between the ages of 8 and 13 and in boys between the ages of 9 and 14.
- Thus.
- When signs of puberty begin to appear before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys.
- Puberty is considered early puberty.
- The following table shows the main signs of early puberty:.
Early puberty can occur as a result of several situations, the main ones being:
Diagnosis of early puberty can be made by the pediatrician by looking at these signs and symptoms, and no tests are needed to confirm it.
Most cases of early puberty are diagnosed only by evaluating the signs and symptoms of the child. However, if you suspect a suspected alteration or severe syndrome, your doctor may recommend tests such as x-rays, ultrasound of the pelvis and adrenal glands, CT scans, or magnetic resonance imaging, for example.
In addition, the blood dosage of certain hormones such as LH, FSH, LH, FSH and GnRH, estradiol for girls and testosterone for boys may be indicated. Your pediatrician may also order more tests that you deem necessary to identify the cause of early puberty and decide whether treatment is necessary.
It is not always necessary to reduce the child’s growth rate by stopping puberty in advance. When the child is older than 8 years old, the doctor may conclude that this is a less severe early puberty, as it is probably not caused by a tumor.
When it starts before age 8, especially in the baby, it can be caused by a tumor. Treatment can be done with hormonal blocking drugs, and it may be necessary to undergo radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery, since it is possible to prevent certain complications such as psychological disorders, low size in adulthood and early pregnancy, for example.
Children with early puberty should be accompanied by a psychologist because society may require more mature behavior when they are still a child, which can be confusing.
It is also important for the child to know that he or she must behave in a way that suits his or her age so that he or she has a good general development and if he or she still has childish desires such as playing with friends for example, this desire must be respected. and even lively. .