Early puberty, also called precocious puberty, is when a child begins showing signs of puberty before age 8 in girls or before age 9 in boys.
⚠️ Signs of Early Puberty
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Girls: Breast development, pubic or underarm hair, growth spurt, body odor, early periods.
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Boys: Enlarged testicles or penis, facial/pubic hair, deepening voice, growth spurt.
🧬 Causes of Early Puberty
1. Central Precocious Puberty (CPP)
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The most common type.
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The brain (specifically the pituitary gland) starts puberty too early.
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Often no clear cause, but can be linked to:
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Family history
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Brain injuries or tumors (rare)
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Previous radiation or infection affecting the brain
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2. Peripheral Precocious Puberty
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Hormones (estrogen or testosterone) are produced without brain involvement.
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May be caused by:
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Ovarian or testicular tumors
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Adrenal gland disorders
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Hormone exposure (e.g. creams, supplements)
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🧪 Other Contributing Factors
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Obesity: Higher body fat can trigger earlier puberty, especially in girls.
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Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: Found in plastics, cosmetics, and some foods.
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Stress or trauma: Some evidence links early puberty to psychological stress.
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Genetics: If a parent had early puberty, a child might too.
🩺 Why Early Puberty Matters
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Can lead to:
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Shorter adult height (bones mature too fast)
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Emotional and social challenges (feeling different)
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Risk of depression, anxiety, or body image issues
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👩⚕️ When to See a Doctor
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If your child shows signs of puberty before age 8 (girls) or 9 (boys)
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A pediatric endocrinologist can evaluate and offer treatments if needed