The less common peripheral precocious puberty occurs without the involvement of the hormone in your brain (GnRH) that normally triggers the start of puberty. Instead, the cause is release of estrogen or testosterone into the body because of problems with the ovaries, testicles, adrenal glands or pituitary gland.
What is the most common cause of central precocious puberty?
The most common known genetic cause of central precocious puberty is mutations in the MKRN3 gene . Changes in other genes are rare causes of the condition, and researchers suspect that changes in genes that have not yet been identified may also be involved in central precocious puberty.
How can I stop precocious puberty?
Can precocious puberty be prevented? Most cases of early puberty cannot be prevented. Limiting your child's exposure to reproductive hormones from outside sources may prevent precocious puberty. These sources may include estrogen or testosterone creams, lotions, or other medications.
What foods cause early puberty?
Children with lower-nutrient diets tend to enter puberty earlier. A diet rich in processed foods and meats, dairy, and fast food is disruptive to normal physical development. Exposure to EDCs (endocrine-disrupting chemicals).
Why does my 5 year old daughter have pubic hair?
During adrenarche, the adrenal glands, which sit on the kidneys, begin to churn out weak “male” hormones . That, in turn, can cause kids to develop some pubic hair, underarm hair and body odor.
Should a 7 year old have pubic hair?
Adrenarche is usually normal in girls who are at least 8 years old, and boys who are at least 9 years old. Even when pubic and underarm hair appear in children younger than this, it is still usually nothing to worry about, but your child does need to see their pediatrician for an exam.
What happens if precocious puberty is left untreated?
Precocious puberty may complicate a child's physical and emotional life. If left untreated, a child who goes through puberty prematurely may never reach full height since, once the period of puberty is over the growth process will stop .
Should you treat precocious puberty?
Most children with central precocious puberty, in which there's no underlying medical condition, can be effectively treated with medication .
Is early puberty good or bad?
Among adolescent girls, early puberty is associated with more depressive disorders , substance use disorders, eating disorders and disruptive behavior disorders. Of those disorders, “the clearest and most consistent link is between early puberty and depression in girls,” Graber says.
Can diet affect puberty?
Excessive eating of many processed, high-fat foods , may be the cause of this phenomenon. Overweight or obese children are more likely to enter puberty early. Some evidence suggests that obesity can accelerate the onset of puberty in girls and may delay the onset of puberty in boys.
What age do girls start growing pubic hair?
Puberty generally starts earlier for girls, some time between 8 and 13 years of age . For most girls, the first evidence of puberty is breast development, but it can be the growth of pubic hair.
Can a girl get her period at 7 years old?
“ It is not uncommon for girls to start their period as young as 8 or 9 ,” says Dr. Sara Kreckman, UnityPoint Health pediatrician. “This can be both emotionally and mentally challenging for girls this young, as well as their parents.”
How do I know if my daughter has breast buds?
Breast Development
The earliest sign of puberty in most girls is the development of breast “buds,” nickel-sized bumps under the nipple. It is not unusual for breast growth to start on one side before the other. It's also common for breast buds to be somewhat tender or sore .
What are the 5 stages of puberty for a girl?
- Breast “buds” continue to grow and expand.
- Pubic hair gets thicker and curlier.
- Hair starts forming under the armpits.
- The first signs of acne may appear on the face and back.
- The highest growth rate for height begins (around 3.2 inches per year).
- Hips and thighs start to build up fat.
Is 9 years old too early for period?
When do periods start? Most young people will have their first periods when they're between 11 and 141⁄2, but anywhere from 9-16 years is considered normal . Periods are likely to start soon if your child has: had a major growth spurt.
Is it normal for a 7 year old to develop breasts?
It is normal for Caucasian girls to begin developing breast buds as young as seven years old and African American girls could be as young as six years old . It is advised to consult a pediatrician to evaluate breast bud development and check for other signs of puberty.
