"Precocious Puberty"

[laceemouse]

That could totally be true!
Although the opposite has happened to me.
I started late (I was exactly 14.5 years old) & at 42 years old, have already gone thru menopause (had my last period 15 months ago ).

Yep, my sister-in-law started young and was told she would most likely go through menopause earlier, although the range of "normal" is so big I have no idea how early that would mean?

 

[laceemouse]

This is all very interesting to me. What is "normal" development for an 8 or 8.5yr old?

I have three daughters. I would say at 8 there was nothing at all as far as puberty goes. They all started needing deodorant at about 10 1/2. The older two were 6th grade (11, almost 12) when they got their periods. I think I was maybe a little older when I got mine but not much. My youngest turned 11 in November and still no breasts or period or anything (not sure about hair.)

I nursed all of them so no formula of any kind. We switched to organic milk several years ago, but they did get the hormones when they were younger. They also have had hormones in meat all along.
I think the increase in nutrition and body fat has a lot to do with it too. My girls are average weight, but the population in general is much heavier than it was way back when.

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

That is not true. Precocious puberty is not the same as being an early bloomer.

It is becoming more common because of the over use of soy in our diets. The increased use of soy infant formula, especially.

Girls who suffer from precocious puberty are much more likely to develop certain cancers and also have major hormonal problems. It needs to be treated.

ita. Also a friend of ours completely changed the family diet after her daughter ,then age 5 now age 16 , started getting hair on her privates. But unfortunately it was too late for the 5 yr old, but now her siblings are 8 and 9 and have no signs of puberty as of yet. They do mostly organic and no soy, unfortunately there are growth hormones in so much of what america eats that precocious puberty is happening more and more.

 

[CastleCreations]

Maybe that's why I'm short too. 5'2"
I always figured it was b/c I started smoking when I was 11 and my mom smoked when she was pg with us. (I did quit in my 20's.)
She said back then everyone did and the nurses in the hospital, where you stayed for 7 days for a vag. birth, would say, "Ladies, put out your cigarettes! It's feeding time!" UGH!!

Between that and running behind the mosquito spraying trucks as a kid, I'm sure gonna get something!!

Your post is the funniest I have read in a long time. I find the humor, because I'm a nurse...I love it! Too funny!
Where is the tag fairy when you need her!!

 

[Sydnoahmom]

DD12, soon to be 13, was diagnosed at age 6. Her history: very hairy legs at age 2; needed deoderant at 4 and started underarm hair at age 6. Our pediatrician was aware of all of this and sent us to a ped. endocrinologist at 6. Bone age studies were done and she was advanced by 2 years. We were just taking a conservative approach until dr. (specialist) said it wouldnt' be a be a big deal if she goet her period. I was shocked at his attititude. I can't handle it some months at my age! Also, once you start menstuating, you have pretty much maximized your height. Hormones close your growth plates.

We then went to Univ of IA to a fabulous ped. endog. At age 7 1/2, she jumped 2 years on the bone age and started to get pubic hair, so we started Luperon injections every 3 weeks for 2 years. Fortunately, I am a nurse and could give them at home, but did the 1st few at the dr office to get her used to it. We kept at the injections until her bone age and actual age were just a few months off.

DD had her first period just after her 11th d-day, 5th grade. It was irregular for the first year, but has started to regulate some. Her height is approx 5'4" She was more cognitively able to handle the hygiene needs of having her period, esp at school. Her height is also maximized, considering her parents aren't that tall.

For us, the Luperon was the right choice. The most important thing is to be comforatable with your child's health care team. Ask questions and don't let the alarmists get to you. If you don't understand something, ask. Every child will go through puberty at a diff time in their lives, so their really isn't a "typical" age. The bone age study is the determining for the diagnosis.

Good luck to your friend and her daughter. PM if there is anything else you want to ask.

 

[rosypet]

My almost 8yr old started having beeast buds now. Dr wants to put on Lupron injections. If we dont treat, she will not reach 5 feet. May be around 4.10 or 4.11.

Untreared, she will get periods at 9. My husband and I are skeptical about the long term side effects and trying to avoid lupron injections. Please provide your insight.



Thanks

Rose
Hi

DD12, soon to be 13, was diagnosed at age 6. Her history: very hairy legs at age 2; needed deoderant at 4 and started underarm hair at age 6. Our pediatrician was aware of all of this and sent us to a ped. endocrinologist at 6. Bone age studies were done and she was advanced by 2 years. We were just taking a conservative approach until dr. (specialist) said it wouldnt' be a be a big deal if she goet her period. I was shocked at his attititude. I can't handle it some months at my age! Also, once you start menstuating, you have pretty much maximized your height. Hormones close your growth plates.

We then went to Univ of IA to a fabulous ped. endog. At age 7 1/2, she jumped 2 years on the bone age and started to get pubic hair, so we started Luperon injections every 3 weeks for 2 years. Fortunately, I am a nurse and could give them at home, but did the 1st few at the dr office to get her used to it. We kept at the injections until her bone age and actual age were just a few months off.

DD had her first period just after her 11th d-day, 5th grade. It was irregular for the first year, but has started to regulate some. Her height is approx 5'4" She was more cognitively able to handle the hygiene needs of having her period, esp at school. Her height is also maximized, considering her parents aren't that tall.

For us, the Luperon was the right choice. The most important thing is to be comforatable with your child's health care team. Ask questions and don't let the alarmists get to you. If you don't understand something, ask. Every child will go through puberty at a diff time in their lives, so their really isn't a "typical" age. The bone age study is the determining for the diagnosis.

Good luck to your friend and her daughter. PM if there is anything else you want to ask.

 

[rosypet]

My almost 8yr old started having beeast buds now. Dr wants to put on Lupron injections. If we dont treat, she will not reach 5 feet. May be around 4.10 or 4.11.

Untreared, she will get periods at 9. My husband and I are skeptical about the long term side effects and trying to avoid lupron injections. Please provide your insight.



Thanks

Rose

 

[pjacobi]

There is a growing amount of evidence that childhood obesity is causing early puberty in girls.

-Paul

 

[lanejudy]

@rosypet -- this thread was started in 2007 (8+ years ago). Honestly, menarche at age 9 isn't considered "precocious puberty" and is within the "normal" range. Whether you decide to treat or not, I'd consider getting a second opinion from a pediatric endocrinologist.

Good luck to you and your daughter.

 

[Dakota731]

My almost 8yr old started having beeast buds now. Dr wants to put on Lupron injections. If we dont treat, she will not reach 5 feet. May be around 4.10 or 4.11.

Untreared, she will get periods at 9. My husband and I are skeptical about the long term side effects and trying to avoid lupron injections. Please provide your insight.

Get a second opinion before drugs! Both my daughters had hair and needed deodorant at seven. I was flipping out, but thankfully I had a pediatrician who calmly said “puberty is a long process and it’s completely normal”. Both girls got periods at twelve and are of average height!!!