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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

Pubic hair in a 6 year old girl

52 replies

WigWamBam · 21/06/2007 19:21

I was just helping dd get ready for bed and putting her some barrier cream on (she still has a nappy at night time) and noticed she's developed a considerable amount of public hair. She's always had quite a lot of very fine downy hair on her body, but this is much thicker and is definitely different from the hair she has anywhere else.

I know that they all develop at different times and different rates, and I started my periods early (I was 9) so it would be no surprise if dd was an early starter too, but dd is only just 6 and this seems ridiculously early - is this within the normal range or is it something to be worried about?

I have to admit that I feel a bit strange and quite sad about it; she just seems so young and I wasn't expecting this just yet.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

goingfor3 · 21/06/2007 19:24

Take her to your gp. If she is indeed starting puberty they will be able to give her drugs to stall it. Six is far to young to emotinally deal with puberty.

mamazon · 21/06/2007 19:24

i think i would consult your GP about it. there may be some hormone tablets that can prevent any onset of puberty.

foxinsocks · 21/06/2007 19:26

yes, ask the GP. There is stuff they can give her if they think it is an early warning sign of early onset puberty.

Original poster

WigWamBam · 21/06/2007 19:30

I thought that was likely to be the answer.

She's been behaving a bit like a stroppy teenager lately too - I thought that was just normal 6 year old stuff but now I'm not so sure.

Oh, bloody hell ...

OP posts:

Rhubarb · 21/06/2007 19:33

Don't get too panicky. My dd is the same age and is acting like a stroppy teen too. Could just be that her hair down there is darker and you are reading too much into it? Worth getting checked out obviously, but don't jump to conclusions as premature adolescence is quite rare.

BellaLasagne · 21/06/2007 19:33

My DD is 8 and has just started getting hairy down below. Is this too early too?

foxinsocks · 21/06/2007 19:34

don't worry yet WWB but it's definitely worth getting checked out

Rhubarb · 21/06/2007 19:38

Here it says that pubic hair growth is normal for children over the age of 6. So it may well be ok.

Original poster

WigWamBam · 21/06/2007 19:40

Rhubarb, the hair is definitely different from the way it was - enough for me to be startled by how much longer and thicker it was than before. It's blonde, as she is, but it's proper hair rather than the fuzzy, downy stuff she's always had before. And I was surprised at how much there is there too. I'll have a proper look tomorrow (I didn't want to make too much of a fuss about it in case it upset dd tonight) but I am convinced that it's proper pubic hair.

I really, really hope I'm reading too much into it; I'm not sure I want to be dealing with precocious puberty, let alone dd having to deal with it.

I'm quite upset actually, can't believe I'm being such a wuss about a few hairs! Periods at 9 was horrible and I definitely wasn't prepared for it - I don't want dd to have to go through it all earlier than that.

OP posts:

Original poster

WigWamBam · 21/06/2007 19:43

Thanks for that link, Rhubarb - it's quite reassuring. She doesn't seem to be showing any other physical signs yet so hopefully they are right when they say one sign on it's own isn't usually a problem.

OP posts:

Rhubarb · 21/06/2007 19:45

I'm sure they are. She may well be early as you were, but at least you will have your experiences to pass on and you'll be able to help prepare her and support her through it.

I was very late so I expect dd will be the same.

Although being late is also bad as all your friends started years ago, everyone discusses their periods, they know the ins and outs of it all, and you just feel left out and freaky.

Original poster

WigWamBam · 21/06/2007 19:47

There's no good time really, is there!

Thanks for your help; it's good to get some balanced posts when you feel all of a dither.

OP posts:

Rhubarb · 21/06/2007 19:48

No probs, hope the doc says she's ok. Let us know.

filthymindedvixen · 21/06/2007 19:59

Is she big for her age? There is a theory that early puberty could be triggered by high BMI...

However, it's apparently not clear whether puberty triggers weight or weight triggers puberty.

Original poster

WigWamBam · 21/06/2007 20:43

She's tall, fmv, and although she's not overweight she's definitely in proportion weight-wise to height. She's in age 9 or 10 clothes and weighs about four and a half stone. I wouldn't have thought her BMI was particularly high based on her height and weight as she's so well proportioned.

I don't think that's just me being blinkered to her being overweight; there are some pictures on my profile if you want to cast a more objective eye!

OP posts:

mozhe · 21/06/2007 21:03

See GP urgently......as very rarely precocious puberty can be due to tumour in brain...rare, and unlikely especially as you had an early puberty but still get it checked

Blandmum · 21/06/2007 21:10

I would contact your GP as it could be premature puberty
FWIW my cousin had this, not cause by a tumour , just one of those things

Meid · 21/06/2007 21:12

I've heard that our children will, on average, start their periods a year younger than we did. In fact I might have read that on mumsnet.
Considering you started your periods so early I think it seems possible she is at the start of puberty.
As others have said, a trip to the doctors for a chat is probably in order.
Good luck.

alexw · 21/06/2007 21:18

I had pubic hair proper at 8 (and under arm), started periods at 10. If development rates are changing, then 6 would be early but not necessarily unreal.

Original poster

WigWamBam · 21/06/2007 21:22

Brain tumour? Oh heavens, you have me worried again now!

Although I realise that it's more likely that it's just (ha! "just"!) puberty.

Only just 6 though - it just has be completely gobsmacked that that she could be starting puberty before she's even dry at night time!

OP posts:

alexw · 21/06/2007 21:28

If it is early onset, then keep an eye open for polycystic ovaries (big signs include facial hair)

used2bthin · 21/06/2007 21:32

My DD has a condition that in its much milder form can cause early puberty. This would also make your dd very tall and thin. Have just looked it up and usually the symptoms begin to present at 3-4 yrs old with it so it probably isn't the case but its worth checking out as drugs would need to be given in this case to make sure puberty doesn't occur. It says here(book on condition) that puberty is defined as precocious if occurs before age of 7 but also that the first true sign of pubrty is the development of breast in girls so hopefully for your dd this isn't puberty but worth a drs appointment i think if only just to put your mind at rest.

mozhe · 21/06/2007 21:47

these tumours are rare...but sensible to rule them out. Looking at her photo she is a big girlso likely to be natural......

BarefootDancer · 21/06/2007 21:49

Please don't worry. Go and talk with your GP.

filthymindedvixen · 22/06/2007 11:34

WWB, I only just came back to this thread...I'm no expert but she just looks beautiful to me (and toally in proportion!)

As I said, it's just a theory. Apparently as children nudge towards 7.5 stone it can trigger puberty. Which would explain why I was so late in starting

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