Early puberty occurs to about 1 in 5000 children. Puberty is considered early in girls under age eight and boys under age nine. Since puberty affects both the physical and mental development of children, it is important to understand precocious puberty.
Puberty occurs when the body starts releasing hormones that make the body capable of sexual reproduction. If your child is showing physical signs of puberty at a very young age, you might want her to see a doctor at a southern Chicago hospital to determine if it is full puberty or not. Early detection makes it easier for the doctor to develop an effective course of treatment. The doctor might perform a physical exam or other tests such as blood tests or MRIs. Precocious puberty usually has no defined cause, but in some cases it might be caused by a physical problem with the ovaries or testicles of the child. There is some evidence that obesity might contribute to early puberty. Fat cells produce leptin which needs to be present at a certain level to trigger puberty.
There are several treatments for precocious puberty. Treatment at a Wilmington Illinois healthcare facility will often include the introduction of medicines called GnRH analogs. These medicines block the release of hormones by the pituitary gland and might be administered through injection, implant, or nasal spray. The GnRH analogs might produce mild side effects such as headaches and hot flashes, but they have been shown to have no long term effects. As long as the child is on the drugs, puberty can be delayed. The treatment works best when it is applied to younger children and should be stopped by the time the child is eleven. Your doctor might not want to start a drug regimen immediately even if he is sure your child is experiencing precocious puberty. Observation of the child might prove the symptoms are slowing down on their own or that puberty is progressing at a slow rate. Children with a higher level of emotional maturity might be able to cope with the changes without needing medicine, as well.
Whenever puberty occurs, it has a major impact on a child. Medical professionals at a Watseka hospital will tell you that kids can be easily confused and frightened by the changes occurring in their bodies. The most important thing a parent can do is be there for their child. Girls are likely to suffer mood swings while boys might show aggressive behavior. Reassure your child that the changes that are occurring are normal and try to answer your child's questions as truthfully as possible. Girls, especially those experiencing early puberty, often have trouble dealing with the development of breasts or increased height. Teaching your children the importance of a healthy lifestyle at a young age can boost their self-image and make them less likely to suffer from depression or eating disorders caused by their bodies' changes.
If you live in the South Chicago area, Riverside Medical Center is there to help your family through all stages of their lives. Their many location provide Wilmington Illinois healthcare and include a southern Chicago hospital and a Watseka hospital.
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