Preteens
Is it normal for a 7 year old girl to have BO?
Dancergirl · 18/09/2014 22:38
I'm really worried about my youngest dd (7.5).
A few months ago I noticed a bit of discharge in her knickers which I thought was odd at her age. I took her to the GP who examined her in case of infection (there wasn't any). She didn't have any other symptoms and the GP said it was just one of those things. The discharge went away but I have noticed it a bit again recently.
Then yesterday dd went on a Brownies trip to soft play. It was a warm day and when she was dropped home I noticed a definite BO-type smell under her arms. And I noticed it again when I picked her up from school today. She'd had PE and it was warm again.
The way I understood it is that all children sweat but it doesn't get smelly until after puberty. I'm really worried this might mean she'll start puberty early.
Would it be a good idea to take her back to the GP?
AnnieLobeseder · 18/09/2014 22:45
My DD started with BO at the same age, and I was definitely wearing deo by 9. Girls are supposed to start releasing the very first puberty hormones at around this age, it's not early, just the very start. DD has just turned 9, has occasional discharge in her knickers, a few wispy armpit hairs (she's very proud of them) and needs to use deo as she can get quite "fragrant". She also has the beginning of breast buds. From what she tells me, some of the girls in her class are also starting to grow a little pubic hair (though as DD is the youngest in the year they are up to a year older than her).
So don't worry, BO definitely does start before puberty and your DD is just fine.
minkymuskyslyoldstoaty · 18/09/2014 22:56
my dd was the same, she had body odour at this age, and also the discharge came at about. quite alot in fact.
she did go on to begin her periods just before she was ten. the body odour was noticeable for about months, but then she returned to normal.
early puberty has happened through all generations, precocious puberty is something different. your gp won't be concerned at these changes at 7.5.
Don't worry, it is within the realms of normal, i have been down the same avenues as you.
hth
Dancergirl · 19/09/2014 14:41
Thanks, I'm not sure if that's reassured me or not! I know it sounds silly but she's my baby, the youngest of 3 girls so the idea of her starting puberty seems a long long way off.
minky how did your dd cope with having periods at primary school?
My oldest dd started periods at 11 and a quarter, dd2 is 11.5 and hasn't started yet, but I suppose it could be possible that dd3 could start much earlier? Does it really vary so much between siblings?
snowmummy · 19/09/2014 14:47
Noooo. My daughter is 7 and I'd assumed we had at least another couple of years. Good luck op.
Dancergirl · 19/09/2014 14:55
Thanks. I suppose I should start talking to her about things. I've only just done this with dd2!
minkymuskyslyoldstoaty · 19/09/2014 18:40
at primary school it was tricky. she was so young and hadn't noticed if there was a bin in the loo. so had to ring and find out. they kept their bags on pegs so sleep found it tricky to get her pads from the pegs to the loo. ended up stuffing her make trying thing up her jumper.
one teacher who shamefully was female was not helpful. but her year six teacher, a man was so kind.
she did feel like the odd one out. but we got through it with guidance and positive chats.
minkymuskyslyoldstoaty · 19/09/2014 18:42
she got through it.
make up bag thing.
sorry on phone.
MrsDmitriTippensKrushnic · 19/09/2014 18:48
DD started getting whiffy at 7 or 8 - I worried that she'd end up starting her periods at an incredibly young age but so far at 10yrs 11 months, no show. She has hair and breast buds but isn't as developed as I was at the same age and I definitely made it out of Primary before getting my first period. We've prepared her though, she knows where 'her' stuff is in the bathroom, she knows where she would have to go in school (teachers toilets by the staffroom) and hopefully it won't be too much of a shock.
MagicSwirlinShip · 19/09/2014 18:52
I noticed my dd sometimes smelled a bit sweaty at around 8, funnily enough only after brownies, but not all the time or enough to wear deodorant. She started developing at 10ish and hasn't started her periods yet (13 next week) although I have a feeling it won't be long.
Gatekeeper · 19/09/2014 18:57
dd was whiffy at 7 and starting producing discharge round then as well. She started her periods when she had just turned ten and coped well. She is now 12 and has the figure of a grown woman!
ifink · 11/02/2015 03:12
boy I'm glad I found this thread! I have been so worried about DD7 and her recent start of BO!!! We live in a hot country so its very noticeable most days by the time she is home from school. I have spent the best part of a week googling early puberty but this has given me some reassurance!! Is it too young for a deodorant? is there something safe/natural for this age?
fortifiedwithtea · 11/02/2015 04:03
DD2 was smelly at 7. I made sure she washed every day and wore deodorant. Any spray same as older sister and me, Dove, Sure, Nivea what ever in the house, no preference. I know a lot on MN clutch their pearls about young girls wearing deodorant but I genuinely don't know what the issue is, not being snotty.
DD2 is now 12 years, 4 months and still no sign of periods and no bra.
ifink · 11/02/2015 23:26
I love the 'clutching pears' bit fortified made me smile on a boring morning. Thanks for the response, I was so taken aback by the BO that I went a bit hysterical - just want DD to be a little girl for as long as poss and not have to worry about that kind of 'stuff' yet - its reassuring to hear that it does not necessarily signify the onset or speeding up of puberty, phew
Pantsalive · 12/02/2015 00:23
My DD at 8 is definitely a bit whiffy and has quite a lot of discharge. I have bought Pitrok (recommended on here), which is a natural deodorant which we've all ended up using, but I'm not really sure what to do about the discharge.
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.