5year old showing signs of precocious puberty

[undersea12]

My daughter who turned five a couple of months ago has started to show signs of puberty. This began with body odour a couple of months ago, which I thought nothing of to start with blaming the awful plastic Elsa dress she was wearing all the time and the fact she never sits still . But after chatting to other mum's thought should get it checked out. We are now waiting for a referal to see a specialist.
Then last night I noticed that she has slight breast development and a couple of dark hairs under her arms, and I'm so worried. Has anyone else been through this who could offer advise? or let me know what to expect?
I stupidly was up all night googling it and have an overload of conflicting information, and I'm feeling really sad and worried for her. thank you

[Heels99]

My friends daughter did. She had monthly injections to delay puberty. It is not uncommon her symptoms were same as your dd. Make gp appointment, push for fast consultant referral as the condition affects height and bone growth as well. Friends dd is now a teen and all has been fine to reassure you.
Take care

[Falconwolf101]

Hmmm, difficult situation. I have a very good friend who was very much developed by the time she was 8. I actually don't think that this is a cause for any worry, although it's still concerning as your LO will not mature at the same speed as her body. Unless it's causing her any discomfort I see no reason for immediate action. Perhaps the specialist will recommend growth reversing hormones, although considering your dd's age this might be an issue. Best of luck, Falcon x

[Heels99]

Have a private referral if you need to or go back to gp and explain that further symptoms have started to speed it up.

[LatinForTelly]

I recommend phoning the Child Growth Foundation here. They are a charity which deals with lots of different growth conditions, including precocious puberty. The helpline people are very friendly.

[Heels99]

Falcon that is bad advice as bone growth stops during puberty, the dd would end up very short with possible bone issues. This is not a condition that should be ignored

[Falconwolf101]

I mean pubic hormones as in the hormones released by the brain to set off the process.

[undersea12]

Thanks all, I phoned our doctor this morning to update the new symptoms and spoke to locum who has added to my daughters notes and made an appointment for us to see the original doctor on thursday, hopefully that will speed up seeing the specialist.

[Falconwolf101]

Best of luck for you and your dd!

[MammyKaz]

undersea12 firstly please do not use Dr Google, he is not your friend! I've been through similar with DD when she was 2.5 although it was odour & public hair. We've ended up with Premature Adrenarche which hasn't progressed so far, she's 4.5 now, but remainson 6mthklychecks. Growth spurts are a key thing to look for.
You need to see an Endocrinologist, push for that & not a general Paediatrician. They most likely will x-ray her hand to give a bone age, take bloods including one over several hours before, and twice after an injected hormone to plot reaction, they should scan her abdomen to check her uterus & ovaries. We also had an MRI as a precaution as her results were inconclusive.
It is all a bit scary I know, I freeked out many times. But you are doing the right thing & if it does turn out to be PP caught at this early stage they can manage it with hormones. DD was ace through all the procedures, we explained them in a way that she could understand & had lots of treats for being brave.
The Child Growth Foundation is a good resource, please speak to them they helped me. I would say research (just not random Google!) & go armed with questions of what, why & when. I'll look back over my bookmarks & pm any that I think would be helpful.

[undersea12]

Thank you, great advice.. I'm really am freaking out today, and scared, even though we were waiting on a referral I was convinced it was nothing until the new symptoms. and now you mention it I'm pretty sure it is a Endocrinologist we'll be seeing.
Mine is a terrible patient too, wouldn't even let the doctor look at her tummy without me having to hold her down, making it scary and stressful for her, so dreading the blood tests etc. but good to know it can be managed.

[MammyKaz]

That's great if you're getting to an Endo first off.
Your poor DD, it will be a bit scary for her. (& you!) With the bloods they put a numbing cream on DD's hand for 30mins & then did it all behind my back (her arm around me having a cuddle of sorts). She didn't feel a thing! The paediatric nurses are usually great, they have to do it a lot ?? Even now with check ups I talk her through what will happen & she copes really well. iPads, & ice cream or toy rewards have been my go to ??
It will take a little time to get your answers so please be kind to yourself & don't read too much

[undersea12]

and MammyKaz well done to your daughter for being so good and brave.. I just hope some bribes, treats and lots of love will help mine with whats to come. x

[MammyKaz]

Thanks, I'm sure she'll do great.
oH Dr Organics deodorant from Holland & Barrett in Rose is lovely if you're worried about noticeable odour. DD loves being a flower

[Theas18]

Youngest had premature adrenarche and premature thelarche. She also grew fast and early. However it was never "'precocious puberty " proper.

It was annoying but not more than that.

The good news op is that in short even true precocious puberty in a girl is very unlikely to be serious in cause ( it's the reverse in boys).

Yep she could be shorter than average - but I'm fortunate to have a " control" Dd as well as the " test " one. They are both 5 foot 2 so I don't think you can say Dds height has been affected - though I had a really cross/ upset time when the consultant left who had agreed to hormone blockers and by the time new chap in post it was too late.

[Islasmiler19]

Hi, I know this is an old thread but is anyone still here?? My girl is nearly 6 and got diagnosed last year with premature adrenarche. I'm sad about it, she has hair down there, she's much taller and heavier than the others her age and her bones age is advanced by 2 years. She's always been very sensitive and cries easily which is hard because she looks older than she is.
Lately I've noticed the adult odour so we've had to start using deodorant and now we've got massive sleep issues and have been given something to help her sleep. I'm wondering if the sleep issues are to do with this? She's always been a terrible sleeper but the last 6 weeks have been unbearable. Can anyone offer any advice and where are you getting your support from Ive searched high and low and can't find much in the way of support networks.

Thanks
Carol