We spoke with endocrinologist Dr. Aristotelis Panagiotopoulos, Director of the Lipid Disorders Department at the Athens Pediatric Center, to learn more about this medical issue that affects children. We asked him what Precocious Puberty is, and how we can help our children when their bodies show the first signs of it.
What is Precocious Puberty?
Precocious puberty is when a child’s body begins to show signs of sexual development earlier than usual, often before the age of 8 in girls and 9 in boys.
How can I tell if my child might have Precocious Puberty?
Watch for early signs such as breast development in girls, testicular enlargement in boys, rapid height gain, body odor, acne, or early menstruation in girls.
What causes Precocious Puberty?
It can be caused by a variety of reasons, including hormonal imbalances, brain issues, genetic inheritance, or, rarely, other medical conditions. Many times, the cause is not clear.
How will the doctor check for Precocious Puberty?
The pediatric endocrinologist will perform a thorough evaluation of your child, which will include:
- Medical history: The doctor will ask about the child’s medical history, including any family history of precocious puberty or other related medical conditions.
- Growth chart review: They will check for any abnormal growth patterns that may be related to the child’s precocious puberty.
- Physical examination: Assessing the child’s general health and looking for signs of precocious puberty. This includes “Tanner Staging,” which assesses the stage of sexual development in children and adolescents. It includes evaluating features such as breast development, pubic hair growth, and genital development.
