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All About Early Puberty In Girls 

All About Early Puberty In Girls -dt

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If you have begun to see early signs of puberty in your daughter, you are not alone. A growing number of parents in South Africa and around the world are concerned about their children moving into puberty too early.

Also known as precocious puberty, it is when your child's body begins to mature at a faster pace and sooner than usual. While this does not mean that there is anything wrong with your child, it is good to understand why.

Read on to find out more about early puberty and its causes in girls. 

1.	[What is precocious puberty?](#link1)
2.	[Causes of precocious puberty](#link2)
3.	[Should you be worried about early puberty?](#link3)
4.	[How to deal with precocious puberty?](#link4)

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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2 listspfont">Precocious Puberty</h2>

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On average, girls undergo puberty between the ages of 8 years and 13 years. With precocious puberty, girls begin to show clear signs of puberty before this age window. This occurrence affects a very small percentage of children around the world. According to research, 1 out of 5,000 children are affected by early puberty.

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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2 listspfont">Causes of Precocious Puberty</h2>

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While there are ongoing scientific studies that show why some girls experience early puberty, some factors are obvious. Here are the most common, known causes of early puberty.

<h3 class="bluetext">1.Obesity</h3>  
Girls who are overweight or obese are likely to develop early puberty. 


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<h3 class="bluetext">2.Exposure to Sex Hormones</h3>

Exposure to sex hormones like oestrogen or testosterone increases a girl's risk of developing precocious puberty. This could happen if she comes in contact with a lotion or any other substance that contains these hormones. 


Exposure to sex hormones like oestrogen or testosterone increases a girl's risk of developing precocious puberty. 

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<h3 class="bluetext">3.Genetics</h3>
In some girls, an unusual genetic mutation can cause the release of sex hormones. This release can lead to early puberty. A parent or sibling may likely have a similar genetic issue.
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<h3 class="bluetext">4.Medical Conditions</h3>  
Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism can trigger the development of early puberty. Complications from the condition could lead to abnormal production of hormones. Such complications are believed to be associated with precocious puberty. 
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<h3 class="bluetext">5.Undergoing Radiation Therapy of the Central Nervous System</h3>  
Radiation therapy is often used for the treatment of medical conditions like leukaemia and tumours. Undergoing such therapies can increase the risk of development of early signs of puberty in girls. 


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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2 listspfont">Should You Worry?</h2>

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But if you still feel concerned and think that your little girl is unable to process early puberty, you must contact your paediatrician who will run some tests and provide guidance.  

In some critical cases, precocious puberty may require treatment, especially when the signs point towards a severe, related condition. 


Precocious puberty is not a reason to worry. In most cases, it does not present any health risk to your child.

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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2 listspfont">Addressing Early Puberty</h2>

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Precocious puberty leads to a noticeable growth spurt. It also affects psychological bearing of your daughter. Moreover, it increases her risk of suffering from depression, low self-esteem, substance abuse, and many other issues.  
<br>Young girls are not as well-equipped to handle early menstruation. It can be very unsettling and embarrassing too. Thus, you must reassure your daughter that you are there for her, and she can always rely on you for support. It would help if you prepared her by discussing the things that she can expect during puberty.


If you feel she needs professional counselling to address the changes going through her body, do consult a doctor.

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<h2 class="bluetext">Factors for Parents to Note</h2>
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<li>Sometimes, signs that may seem like early puberty are often not related to the condition. They can show up from time to time, but also clear up on their own.</li>
<li>If you and the doctor decide that a treatment is essential, discuss the same with your partner and your child. Treatment usually has positive results.</li>
<li>Most girls with precocious puberty often handle the signs well. They go on to be healthy as usual, physically, mentally, and socially.</li>
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The key lies in positively viewing and adopting the emotional and physical changes that come with early puberty. Remember that her body is completely perfect but just ahead of its curve.

Help her stay prepared through the process with ALWAYS feminine care products like [sanitary pads](/sanitary-pads), [panty liners](/panty-liners) and [tampons](https://always-africa.com/en-za/tampons), so she can focus on other more important and better things in life.

Read more about [puberty stage](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/puberty/puberty-stages-every-girl-should-know-about) that every girl should know of.

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Stay well prepared for your next period by tracking it on Always [Menstrual Cycle Calculator](/period-calculator).

__FAQ's__<br>

<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">1. At what age would puberty be considered precocious?</h2>
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If a female’s puberty begins before the age of 8 then it is considered __precocious puberty__. In most cases, it isn't a cause for concern. However, sometimes it can pose certain health risks, thus consulting a doctor is advised.
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">2. What is the most common cause of precocious puberty</h2>
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Precocious puberty also known as __early puberty__ can be caused due to multiple reasons. Some of the most common __causes of precocious puberty__ are as follows:
1. Obesity
2. Exposure to hormones like oestrogen or testosterone
3. Genetics
4. Medical conditions like hypothyroidism
5. Radiation therapy of the central nervous system

Speaking to a doctor and understanding whether a treatment is required for the above-given __causes of precocious puberty__ is a must.
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">3. What happens if you don't opt for precocious puberty treatment?</h2>
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If your child doesn’t undergo the treatment for precocious puberty, chances are she would be shorter in height than an average adult. It means she won't reach her maximum height potential. Thus, __seeking medical treatment for precocious puberty__ whenever necessary is important.

Disclaimer

Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers.

<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">Disclaimer</h2>

Early Signs of Puberty - Should you be worried? Click here to know about early puberty in girls, the causes & symptoms of precocious puberty and how to cope with it.

All About Early Puberty In Girls

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