What is puberty?
Puberty marks the transition from childhood to young adulthood, characterized by gradual physical and emotional changes.
What are the causes of puberty?
Puberty is triggered by hormones produced by both the brain and reproductive organs. In females, the ovaries produce estrogen, while in males, the testicles produce testosterone. These hormones are responsible for initiating many bodily changes during puberty.
At what age does puberty usually commence?
Most females will start puberty when they’re 8 to 13 years old, and most males will start between 9 and 14. But it can also be normal to start earlier or later.
What are the transformations that occur in girls and boys as during puberty?
The changes that happen during puberty in girls are
- Breast development begins, often starting with a lump in the center known as a "breast bud," which can occur unevenly.
- Pubic hair, underarm hair, and leg hair start to grow, with pubic hair sometimes being the initial sign of puberty.
- Menstruation typically begins about two years after breast or pubic hair development, although timing can vary.
- Irregular periods may occur initially, with possible bloating or mood changes beforehand.
- Vaginal discharge, appearing as white or clear fluid, may also occur.
The changes that happen during puberty in boys are
The symptoms of a fracture depend on the type and severity of the fracture. Some common symptoms of a fracture include
- Testicles enlarge, typically the initial change during puberty.
- Penis experiences growth in length and width.
- Pubic hair, facial hair, and underarm hair begin to grow.
- Voice undergoes changes.
- Nocturnal emissions, also known as "wet dreams," may occur, involving ejaculation during sleep.
- Breast enlargement may occur temporarily, but usually resolves over time.
What Is Precocious Puberty?
Precocious or Early Puberty is when the signs of puberty start showing early.
- Girls - before age 8
- Boys - before age 9
Boys - before age 9
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Precocious Puberty?
Signs of precocious puberty in girls, include
- Breast development before age 8
- Start of menstruation (period) before age 10
- Rapid height growth before age 8
Signs of precocious puberty in boys, include
- Enlargement of the testicles or penis
- Rapid height growth (a growth spurt) before 9 years
How Does Precocious Puberty Affect Kids?
Precocious puberty, characterized by early onset of puberty before the typical age range, can significantly impact children's physical development and emotional well-being. One notable consequence is the premature cessation of height growth once puberty concludes. Children with untreated precocious puberty may experience skeletal maturation earlier than their peers, resulting in halted bone growth and potentially falling short of their full adult height potential. Additionally, the early physical changes, such as menstruation in girls and increased aggression in boys, can lead to confusion, embarrassment, and emotional distress, affecting their social interactions and self-esteem.
What Causes Precocious Puberty?
Puberty typically begins when the hypothalamus, a region of the brain, initiates the process by signaling the pituitary gland, a small gland located near the brain's base. Upon receiving these signals, the pituitary gland releases hormones that prompt the ovaries (in girls) or testicles (in boys) to produce sex hormones.
How Is Precocious Puberty Treated?
The treatment objectives include
- The treatment objectives include
- Ceasing the rapid growth and premature bone maturation, which may result in adult short stature or early onset of menstruation.
Depending on the underlying cause, treatment can follow two approaches
The treatment objectives include
- Addressing the root cause or underlying disease.
- Utilizing medication to reduce elevated levels of sex hormones and halt sexual development.