Early puberty?

[sleepfortheweek]

Not sure what topic would have been best to post in.

DD is 8 (just turned).

She's started to grow public hair, and I THINK might have breast buds developing. Today I've noticed she's got a couple of spots on her chin.

Is this early puberty? Is it something I should speak to the doctor about? I don't want to make a big deal about it and make her self conscious but will obviously take her to the doctor if it's unnaturally early.

8 isn't super early for initial signs however it is on the young side and, depending on when she starts her periods, it can have implications for her adult height and things such as bone density when she's older. You should definitely speak to to a professional if you're concerned and ask for a referral to paediatrics, they'll be able to make a more thorough assessment and determine whether any intervention is needed.

It's earlyish but still within the normal age parameters. Under 8 would be classed as early.

Some girls get their periods at 9. Nothing wrong with it. I wouldn't be concerned. Her bodies just getting ready.

Getting periods at 9, for all it is in the normal range, can still be problematic. Growth stops approximately two years after menstruation begins so if you have a child who is on the lower centiles for height then beginning their period at this age can have implications for their adult height. There can also be issues around emotional maturity and whether they are emotionally equipped to deal with periods and visibile signs of puberty (breasts, acne, etc) when the majority of their peers are not yet at that stage.

I would again say that if you are concerned you should speak to a professional as they will be able to assess whether they would recommend treatment to pause your DDs onset of puberty.

Thank you. It's a difficult one as I don't want her to think there's anything wrong. But similarly, if there's any health implications of early puberty then I'd be irresponsible not to address it.

I think a phone appointment about it might be the best initial step.

She's only 8, I'm struggling to get my head around the fact her body is changing already 😥