Early Puberty Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Early puberty is a condition where puberty occurs, or a condition in which a child’s body begins to change towards an adult body, at a faster age than the general condition. Puberty that occurs before the age of 8 years in girls and before the age of 9 years in boys is categorized as early puberty. Puberty is a physical change that involves faster growth of bones and muscles, changes in body shape and size, and development of the body’s reproductive system.
The cause of early puberty is often unknown. In a small proportion of cases, the presence of certain conditions such as infections, hormonal disorders, tumors, or disorders or injuries to the brain, can cause early puberty. Treatment of early puberty generally includes medication to delay puberty.
Symptom
Signs of early puberty include occurring before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys.
Signs that are commonly found in women are:
- Breast growth
- First menstruation ( menarche )
Signs that are commonly found in men are:
- Enlargement of the testicles and penis
- Growth of facial hair (usually first observed between the nose and upper lip)
- Heavy sound
Signs that are generally found in both women and men are:
- Hair growth in the groin and armpits
- Increased growth speed
- Pimple
Reason
Puberty, including early puberty, is a process that begins in the brain when the brain produces a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH), which then prompts the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Both LSH and FH work by stimulating the ovaries to produce hormones. In women, this hormone (estrogen) plays a role in the growth and development of female sexual characteristics. In men, LSH and FH are responsible for stimulating the testicles to produce a hormone (known as testosterone) that plays a role in the growth and development of male sexual characteristics.
The production of these hormones causes physical changes during puberty. There are two types of early puberty, namely central early puberty and peripheral early puberty.
In central early puberty, generally the cause underlying the condition of puberty cannot be identified. The process of puberty in this condition usually occurs earlier, but the pattern and sequence are still in accordance with puberty in general. In most children with this condition, there are no medical problems that need to be treated and no cause for early puberty can be found.
In rare cases, several things can cause early puberty. These include tumors in the brain or spinal cord, congenital abnormalities such as increased fluid in the brain, radiation exposure to the brain or spinal cord, injuries to the brain or spinal cord, and other problems.
In peripheral precocious puberty, the common cause is the presence of estrogen or testosterone in the child’s body. This condition does not involve Gn-RH, which is generally the precursor to puberty.
In both girls and boys, several things can cause early puberty. Background causes include a tumor on the adrenal gland or pituitary gland that causes the release of estrogen or testosterone; or exposure to external sources of estrogen or testosterone, such as creams or ointments. In girls, peripheral precocious puberty may be associated with ovarian cysts or tumors. Whereas in men, this condition can be associated with tumors in the cells that produce sperm or testosterone.
Diagnosis
To diagnose early puberty, doctors can look at the medical history of children and family members, carry out physical examinations, and ask children who experience this condition to have blood tests to measure levels of certain hormones.
X-rays of the hands and wrists can also help diagnose early puberty. The results of an X-ray examination can help determine the age of the bones. This is a sign and indication that the bones are growing too fast.
To determine the type of early puberty that occurs, the doctor can perform an examination called the Gn-RH stimulation test, and take a blood sample afterward. In children with central early puberty, this hormone will cause an increase in other hormones. However, in children with peripheral precocious puberty, the levels of other hormones will remain the same.
Additional tests for central early puberty can be in the form of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to see if there are abnormalities in the brain that cause early puberty. Thyroid hormone examination can also be done if there are signs of decreased thyroid hormone function such as fatigue, feeling weak, increased sensitivity to cold air, constipation, decreased performance at school, or dry and pale skin.
Meanwhile, additional examinations for peripheral early puberty can be carried out to investigate the causes of this condition. For example, the doctor may order additional blood tests to evaluate levels of other hormones. Or in girls, an ultrasound can be done to check for cysts or tumors on the ovaries.
Treatment
Treatment for early puberty depends on the cause. The main goal of this treatment is to enable a child to reach adult human height.
In most children with central precocious puberty, for whom no medical cause can be identified, the signs and symptoms of precocious puberty are manageable with treatment. Treatment is called Gn-RH analogue therapy which generally includes monthly injections, which can delay puberty.
Some of the newer types of medication can be given at longer intervals. Children will receive treatment until they reach the normal age to experience puberty. On average, by about 16 months from stopping treatment, puberty resumed.
In peripheral precocious puberty, where early puberty is caused by certain medical conditions, treatment of these conditions needs to be done to stop the progress of puberty. For example, in children with tumors that cause the production of certain hormones which then lead to puberty, removal of the tumor in question can stop the process of puberty.
Prevention
Certain risk factors for early puberty, such as gender and race, are unavoidable. However, there are several things that can be done to reduce the risk of experiencing early puberty, including:
- Avoiding exposure to external sources of estrogen and testosterone, for example drugs or foods that contain these hormones
- Supporting children to maintain their ideal weight