The reason why childhood precocious puberty should not be ignored

If children show signs of puberty much earlier than their peers, you should suspect 'precocious puberty.'

In particular, girls showing signs of puberty before age 8 and boys before age 9 require attention.

Precocious puberty may initially give children the advantage of appearing taller than their peers, but this does not last long.

Since puberty ends early and growth stops, the final height may be shorter than peers. Especially if untreated, sex hormones can cause the growth plates to close prematurely, resulting in a height below the expected.

In girls, early breast development is common, which makes them appear to grow faster than their peers, but it also has the downside of early closure of the growth plates. In boys, early onset of pubic hair can also be a sign of precocious puberty.

Children experiencing precocious puberty often feel embarrassed due to their rapid physical development, which can lead to social and psychological difficulties. Because of these issues, it is important for parents to consult a specialist promptly if their child shows symptoms of precocious puberty.

Please take proactive interest and actively respond to ensure the healthy growth of the child.