Parents generally look forward to seeing their children grow and change. But if your child is affected by early puberty, some changes may come sooner than expected.
Early puberty, also called precocious puberty, is when a child develops sexual characteristics at a young age. “Early” means these signs appear before age 8 in females and 9 in males. Sometimes early puberty results from another health condition, but in many cases, it has no obvious cause.
If your child is affected by early puberty, it’s normal to have questions and concerns. But you should know that with proper medical care, education and support, your child can navigate the changes and thrive as they grow into adulthood.
Is my child going through early puberty?
One sign of early development — such as acne breakouts before age 8 for females and age 9 for males — does not necessarily mean your child has early puberty. Children with early puberty have multiple signs of sexual development at a young age, which may include:
- Acne
- Body odor
- Breast development in females
- Deepening of the voice in males
- Growth of the testes in males
- Menstruation (periods) in females
- Noticeable growth in height or a “growth spurt”
- Underarm and pubic hair growth
Types and causes of early puberty
Early puberty has two main categories, based on the cause of early developmental changes. These two types are:
Central precocious puberty (CPP)
CPP is the most common type of early puberty. It occurs when the brain releases hormones called gonadotropins earlier than is developmentally typical. Gonadotropins tell the reproductive organs, such as the ovaries or testes, to release hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.
Causes of CPP include:
- Brain growths or tumors: A cyst or tumor on the brain can cause the body to release hormones before it usually would. Many of these growths are not cancerous.
- Brain injury: Trauma to the head, radiation therapy on the brain and certain infections, such as tuberculosis, can affect the brain and lead to CPP.
- Exposure to certain chemicals: Compounds in some fragrances, pesticides, plastics and other products may interfere with the body’s hormones. These compounds, known as endocrine disruptors, can act like estrogen in the body, causing early puberty in females.
- Genetic conditions and syndromes: Some inherited gene mutations (changes) or genetic syndromes can cause early puberty.
- Family history: If you went through early puberty, your children may have a higher risk of experiencing it.
Peripheral precocious puberty (PPP)
Also known as gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty, this type occurs when the sex organs begin to mature too early. Unlike CPP, it’s not related to the brain or gonadotropin hormones.
Causes of PPP include:
- Adrenal gland conditions: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) or a tumor on the adrenal gland can cause PPP.
- Genetic disorders: As with CPP, certain inherited gene mutations or genetic syndromes can cause early puberty.
- Hormonal medications: Children who are exposed to creams or pills that contain estrogen or testosterone may go through early puberty.
- Tumors on the reproductive organs: Tumors on the ovaries and testes can trigger these organs to start releasing hormones at a young age.
Is early puberty becoming more common?
Early puberty is rare, affecting less than 1% of U.S. children. However, research shows it is more common now than 50 years ago, particularly in girls. Experts aren’t sure why this is happening but believe it may be a combination of factors, such as:
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: There are more endocrine disruptors in our environment today than in decades past.
- Obesity: Obesity is more common in children today, and there may be a link between obesity and early puberty in females.
- Stress and trauma: Children who grow up in a highly stressful environment may go through puberty earlier.
Treating early puberty
Treatment for early puberty depends on the type and the cause, but may include:
- Medications that can temporarily “turn off” gonadotropin or reproductive hormones until it’s time for your child to go through puberty
- Surgery to remove a cyst, growth or tumor that is causing abnormal hormone levels
Is early puberty always a sign of a health issue?
Many children who have early puberty don’t have an underlying health problem. Early puberty with no known cause is called idiopathic precocious puberty. Up to 90% of girls and 50% of boys with early puberty have the idiopathic type.
Not all children with idiopathic early puberty need treatment. Your child’s provider may recommend regular follow-up visits to monitor their growth and well-being.
Complications of early puberty
Early puberty doesn’t always cause long-term health problems. But it can increase the risk of:
- Breast, endometrial (uterine) and ovarian cancer in females
- Emotional or social difficulties
- Early sexual activity
- Metabolic conditions such as heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes
- Shorter adult height
- Unwanted sexual attention
How to support your child
Some children struggle emotionally with early puberty. They may not feel ready for the changes in their bodies or may not like looking different from their peers. If your child has trouble coping with early puberty, ask their provider about mental health support. They may recommend connecting your child with a counselor or therapist.
You can also reassure your child that puberty is a normal, healthy process and that there is nothing “wrong” with them. Focus on their strengths and abilities, and help them find activities and interests that boost their confidence.
When to contact your provider
If you notice any sign of early puberty in your child, even if it seems minor, contact their health care provider. They may recommend blood tests to check hormone levels or imaging tests, such as an MRI or X-ray, to rule out growths or tumors.
