The difference between precocious puberty and early development

Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
Updated on September 03, 2024
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It is generally believed that the development of breasts before the age of eight in girls, and the onset of menstruation before the age of ten; in boys, the development of testicles before the age of nine, appearance of secondary sexual characteristics, and accompanied by rapid physical development, are referred to as precocious puberty. Early development refers to the situation where, before puberty, not only the sexual organs but also other organs in boys and girls begin to develop simultaneously.

Therefore, precocious puberty and early development not only differ in the age of onset but also focus more on whether the sexual organs are developing in coordination with the body's other organs. The differences lie not only in the timing but primarily in whether the development of the sexual organs is coordinated with the development of the body's other organs. If the sexual organs and the body's other organs are not developing in coordination, it indicates precocious puberty. If they are coordinated, and merely occurring earlier than usual in puberty, it is considered early development.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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How can precocious children reduce estrogen levels?

Once children are diagnosed with precocious puberty, which usually refers to girls developing breasts before the age of 8 and boys showing signs of secondary sexual characteristics such as increased testicular volume and penile thickening before the age of 9, the method to reduce estrogen depends on the severity of the precocious puberty. This includes whether it affects the child's height and the maturity level of the sexual organs, as well as taking into account the estrogen levels at the time of examination for treatment. Mild cases usually do not require medication and can be addressed through dietary and exercise interventions. For moderate cases where hormone levels in the blood have not reached a severe state and there is some loss of height but not to the extent that requires treatment through injections, oral Chinese medicine can be used to reduce estrogen levels. In severe cases, where there is significant change in height, sexual organs, and high hormone levels in the blood, medication such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs can be used to control the child’s sexual development.

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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Does precocious puberty require growth hormone treatment?

For children with precocious puberty, a small number require combined treatment with growth hormones. For instance, if a child's height growth rate is less than 4cm, it is necessary to add growth hormones to promote growth and development. The second scenario involves using a bone age test; if the height is less than 151cm, growth hormones can also be used in combination for treatment. In the third scenario, if the child's bone age at the time of consultation has already exceeded 11.5 years, has significantly increased, or even if menstruation has started and their height has been clearly affected, it is generally advised to use growth hormones in combination with treatment.

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The precocious puberty stimulation test is used to check for what?

The precocious puberty stimulation test, also known as the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone stimulation test. The method of examination involves administering an intravenous injection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, followed by taking blood samples before the injection, and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the injection. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone are measured to assess their peak values. This can diagnose whether the gonadal axis has been activated and is a reliable method for diagnosing precocious puberty.

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What are good foods for girls with precocious puberty to eat?

Girls with precocious puberty should primarily consume green, seasonal foods with no added ingredients, such as vegetables, fruits, and meats. It's best to eat seasonal products and avoid off-season fruits, like those transported from far away, as they often contain additives that can exacerbate precocious puberty. Additionally, in everyday life, including snacks and fried foods, as well as some fast foods, it is best not to consume these at all. Dairy products, soy products, and honey products, which tend to contain higher levels of estrogen, should also be avoided or consumed minimally.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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Manifestations of precocious puberty in an 11-year-old boy

If an 11-year-old boy exhibits precocious puberty, it typically manifests as increased testicular volume and thickening of the penis, along with the development of pubic and axillary hair. In more severe cases, there may also be the growth of facial hair, voice changes, and the appearance of an Adam's apple, among other signs of male sexual organ development. In cases of very advanced precocious puberty, such as full maturity, nocturnal emissions may also occur. If we consider that an 11-year-old boy is exhibiting early signs of puberty, we can take him to the hospital for bone age and gonadal ultrasound examinations. Based on the initial diagnosis, if sexual development is deemed premature and the symptoms are pronounced, further tests such as blood hormone levels can be conducted. With assistance from diagnostic aids like bone age, gonadal ultrasound, and hormone levels, a doctor can guide appropriate intervention treatments to prevent issues associated with precocious puberty, such as significantly shorter adult stature.