1. Hair Growth
Hair growth can start in the axillary area (underarms) or the pubic region which was previously not there. This may be one of the early signs of start of puberty. But only hair growth needs to be further evaluated as in some cases it me be due to some other underlying hormone imbalance.
2. Mood Swings
Your child may develop mood swings, she may suddenly become irritable and angry even with slight provocation, she may become very quiet and may stop interacting much at home, there may be fluctuation of these mood swings. It is a reflection of the underlying change in hormones which can cause this.
3. Breast Budding
Your daughter may complain of pain or tenderness in her breasts, this can start only on one side or may happen simultaneously in both breasts. It may not be very severe or maybe present only when you touch it.
There may be a change in shape and size of the breasts also.
4. Height Spurt
She may have a sudden spurt or increase in height, may in fact be one of the tallest child in class too. This happens due to the surge of puberty hormones which result in the sudden gain in height. You may feel she is growing well but due to early onset of puberty she may in fact lose out on years of growing and end up shorter than her potential as an adult.
5. Pimples or Acne
Your child’s skin especially on the face may become oily and there maybe an increase in acne and pimples as well. This results due to the transition from childhood to adolescent mediated by the puberty hormones.
6. Periods
The last stage of puberty in girls results in her getting her periods. It maybe in fact be quite irregular in the beginning due to the immature hormonal axis at the time. Onset of period usually indicates an advanced bone age and means the gain in height may not be much after she gets her periods.
Early Puberty can be easily diagnosed by an Pediatric Endocrinologist and managed accordingly. Early onset of periods can be very challenging for the child and her family. It can also result in a reduced final adult height in the child. Timely treatment results in a chance for the child to be mentally prepared for periods and also an opportunity for her to achieve her full height potential.
