The growing body from childhood to adolescence is a period of change that parents should pay attention to because children may not be familiar with their rapidly changing bodies. If physical changes occur prematurely, children will feel even more unfamiliar and may think they are different from their peers, which can lead to the loss of “childhood happiness”.
Children developing into teenagers early… how common is this condition?
Precocious puberty, or the condition where children mature faster than normal for their age, occurs in both girls and boys but is 8–20 times more common in girls. Therefore, parents should closely observe their child’s growth as there may be underlying abnormalities.
What causes children to develop into teenagers early?
Although there is currently no clear medical evidence specifying the exact cause of precocious puberty, most cases may be due to the following reasons.
- Genetics
If parents have a history of early puberty, such as a father with early voice change or a mother with early menstruation, the child has a higher chance of developing this condition.
- Environment
Children who are overweight due to consuming high-calorie foods may experience earlier puberty than normal.
- Brain pathology
Caused by abnormal brain and pituitary gland function, such as tumors, brain hypoxia, brain infections, or previous radiation therapy, leading to premature secretion of sex hormones.
Signs to watch for… parents should observe
As mentioned, the difficulty with this condition is that there is no direct clear cause, but there are some warning signs parents may notice. If these symptoms appear, it is recommended to take the child to see a doctor for proper consultation and diagnosis.
Boys showing these symptoms before age 9
- Enlarged testicles
- Growth of pubic and underarm hair or body odor
- Acne, oily skin, voice changes
- Height increases faster than normal
Girls showing these symptoms before age 8
- Breast budding
- Menstruation, vaginal discharge
- Growth of pubic and underarm hair
- Acne, oily skin, body odor
- Widened hips
- Height increases faster than normal
Impact on children… from this condition
Early changes and differences from peers of the same age may cause children to have difficulty adjusting, leading to various problems.
- Physical aspects
Children entering puberty earlier than normal experience early bone fusion, resulting in shorter height than their genetic potential. Girls who have started menstruating also have a risk of pregnancy, so it is important to prevent early sexual activity.
- Psychological aspects
Although the child’s external body appears mature, their mind is still that of a child. They may feel different from their peers, be teased, lose confidence, isolate themselves, or in some boys, show aggressive behavior, mood swings, and inappropriate sexual behavior.
Diagnosis… accurate results
If parents suspect their child has precocious puberty, they should take them to see a doctor immediately. Besides a thorough physical examination and growth assessment, additional diagnostic tests may include:
- Bone age test
X-ray of the non-dominant wrist to check bone age, which is often older than the child’s actual age. - Blood hormone level test
GnRH Stimulation Test to measure sex hormone levels in the body for monitoring or treatment purposes.
Treatment available… parents can be reassured
Since the causes vary for each child, treatments differ accordingly. Treatment depends on the doctor’s discretion, such as:
- Treating the underlying cause of the condition
- Injecting medication to delay puberty, allowing the child to grow according to the appropriate age
Parents… protect your beloved child
Parents can protect their children from precocious puberty by controlling their weight within the normal range, ensuring they eat a balanced diet with all five food groups in appropriate amounts. If warning signs appear, do not ignore them and take the child to see a pediatrician immediately.
It is believed that all parents hope their children grow up normally and healthily. But if our beloved child is different, parents must be prepared with awareness… embrace the child with understanding… explain and educate the child so they gradually understand and can adapt to the changes. Our beloved child… will grow up complete and beautifully.
Dr. Pornnapa Saetang
Pediatric Specialist
Child and Adolescent Health Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
