Just noticed 6YO DD has a few pubic hairs. Bit worried about it...

[Bitzer]

Noticed when we were changing at the beach earlier. She hadn't mentioned it and is a bit shy about changing in front of anyone other that DD1, me or DH. She's tall for her age - slim athletic build. Has always been quite an early developer ie early first teeth, early talker, way ahead of most of her peers academically. But this was a bit of a shock. No idea how common it is, when I googled it the results were all about early onset puberty, which she isn't showing any other signs of. Anyone have any experience of this? Don't really want to take her to the Dr because I think that would just make her worry about something that doesn't currently seem to be bothering her. All advice gratefully received :)

God so sorry Bitzer, I only just saw this. How bloody frustrating! It just goes to show how two different hospitals approach it, and I do wonder if my profession and knowledge had something to do with it as well (wrongly).

I personally wouldn't leave leave it there. Definitely send a letter in outlining your concerns - there's some national guidance somewhere online about how clinician's should approach early signs of puberty, I'll try and hunt it down for you (I had spotted it ready to quote in case I got fobbed off). If they don't back down, I suggest PALs for a complaint they just love me at my hospital I've found them to be very effective in getting things moving.

In the meanwhile, would it be financially viable to consider a private consultation? As you know, I considered this route and it was going to be around £180 for the initial consultation. They were clear that it was most likely that I would then be transferred back onto the NHS pathway for the tests - so although there'd be an additional charge for letters and reports, I wouldn't have been paying out for the testing (or my parents wouldn't!). Just something to consider.

I was going to say thank goodness you chased it...

DD had her bone age done last week. It was absolutely fine, just an xray and she got a sticker and got to see inside her hand which she thought was pretty cool. Unfortunately it looks like they've lost her urine (the sample I had to wring out of her), so that may have to be repeated. So now I'm back to waiting again, with all my fingers crossed. I have to say, I don't know how her hormone levels are fine when her pubic hair development is continuing as it is. But she's still completely nonplussed at present, I hope it continues.

Her star of the week was for an amazing start to year one - I was thrilled! Nothing to do with her additional needs as they are so often in the habit of doing, just simply for doing really well. That'll do!

I'm here if you need me, very cross on your behalf for such a shitty and dismissive consultation for you and your DD (she'd probably appreciate sweets more though if she's anything like mine!).

Oh missed the bit about you moving abroad, damn my crappy skim reading skills!

Also I have to say I find it odd re:comments about her height and yours. I'm 5'6", DD's Dad is a massive 6'4" and they didn't bring it up at all - they were concerned that she's jumped up the centiles as she has. I guess I'm lucky in some ways that we've had regular hospital visits, so he height and weight have been recorded fairly regularly sorry will stop talking on now

My DD started getting pubic hair at about 8/9 years. Didn't get any medical attention. Started with breast buds at 10 and started her periods at 11. I think it's within the realms of 'normal'.

Thanks v much to both of you for your posts - much appreciated. Touched that you feel angry on my behalf Alias

I've been thinking about this a lot this morning and think I will draft an email (this week is crazy so will prob be next week but I would like to follow up).

crispsandcheese yes, I think if she were 8 I'd just assume it was on the early side of 'normal'. And even in 'my day', I remember the odd girl starting her period at 10, but 6 feels so early - academically she's really advanced but emotionally there is such a big difference between her and her 8Y0 sister - I don't want her to have to start thinking about deodorant and the prospect of her potentially starting her periods at 8 is really daunting. At the very least, I'd like to understand more about it and have a chat with a consultant without DD being in the room.

Anyway, thanks for the support

bitzer re the BO, I read a thread a while ago, where posters were recommending a sure roll on type deodorant, maximum protection. You put it on before bed and it lasts till the following eve. Just wondered if it might be an easier option, to put on dd after a bath in the eve, less 'different' if seen as part of her bath/ bed routine? Obviously ignore me if what you're doing works, otherwise might be worth a quick look at reviews see if it sounds suitable. (Can't vouch personally as never used it, but have just had a quick look and it sounds ok )

It's pricey for a deodorant mind you, £4.99

Haven't read whole thread, but my DD had this at around the same age. By 7 she had to use antiperspirant as started to smell really strongly of BO despite daily baths and clean uniform every day. At 8 she started her periods. It was all a bit of a shock really, especially as I was quite a late developer, not starting periods until I was nearly 14. She coped very well with it though, I just made sure that she was well equipped and at 18, she's a happy healthy girl.