Puberty is the period when children experience different physical, emotional, sexual and hormonal changes. It signifies the beginning of sexual maturity. It normally occurs around the ages of 9-15 for girls and 13-15 for boys.

What is “Early” puberty?
Early puberty is also known as Precocious puberty. As the name suggests, it means showing the signs of puberty, earlier than usual. Early puberty begins before the ages of 8 in girls and 9 in boys. It is less common in boys, as compared to girls.
Precocious puberty can be a very difficult phase for children, physically as well as emotionally. At times, it can also be a sign of a health problem.

Causes
There is no definite known cause for most cases of early puberty. It could occur, because of any of the following reasons:
1. The pituitary gland (the gland that controls the release of most of the body’s hormones) signals the ovaries and testicles to start producing hormones prematurely.
2. Abnormalities in the adrenal gland, ovary or testicles.
3. Obesity, environmental contamination and social factors
4. A structural problem, such as – a tumor in the brain, brain-injury caused by trauma or an infection like meningitis
5. A problem in the thyroid gland, that can expedite the onset of puberty ahead of schedule

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Early puberty in Girls
Parents should consult their doctors, in case their children display any signs of early puberty, including – development of breasts, rapid height growth, early menstruation, acne, pubic and underarm hair or body odor.


During an examination the physical changes that children undergo are evident to a doctor. Blood and urine test may be required to detect the elevated levels of sex hormones.
The doctors may also take an X-ray of the child’s wrist and hand, to check if the child’s bones are maturing too quickly.
Advanced tests like CT scans, ultrasound studies and MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging)may be required to rule out possibilities of a tumor in the ovaries or the brain.

The affects of early puberty in girls

Precocious puberty can have any of the following negative affects on the behavior and emotional health of young girls:
1. Anxiety and withdrawal
2. Stunted growth
3. Earlier periods
4. Confusion and embarrassment
5. Earlier sexual activities

Treating early puberty
Not all cases of early puberty may need to be treated. However, treating this condition can help stop puberty until the child is closer to the normal sexual-development age group.

Kevin Pederson, authors web content for http://www.diethealthclub.com a complete online resource featuring diet, health and fitness. This article is focused on helping you plan for new year resolutions for healthy diet plans

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