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 Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Will babies drinking soy milk lead to precocious puberty?

Soy milk is a rather nutritious food, containing rich plant protein and phospholipids, as well as vitamins B1, B2, and folic acid. Additionally, it contains iron, calcium, minerals, and other nutrients, making it an exceptional source of nutrition for children. It is generally fine for babies to drink soy milk in moderation as it can supplement various nutrients in the body. However, it should not be consumed in excess, as some studies have indicated that excessive consumption of soy milk could lead to pseudoprecocious puberty, which refers to early breast development. But, this is only pseudoprecocity, so there is no need for excessive worry. At the same time, attention should also be paid to other aspects of the diet, such as not consuming too many beverages and avoiding out-of-season vegetables.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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How can precocious puberty be treated? Is it reversible?

Precocious puberty has many causes, including genetic factors, conditions during the mother's pregnancy, or congenital pituitary abnormalities, all of which can lead to the condition. When precocious puberty occurs, it is necessary to conduct diagnostic tests including MRI of the pituitary in the head, bone age assessment, ultrasonography of the gonads, and blood hormone level measurements to determine the appropriate treatment. Mild cases can be managed through a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, and rest. In some cases, oral Chinese medicine can be used if blood hormone levels are not severe enough to require other treatments, to help control the child’s sexual development. In severe cases, such as when a child's bone age is more than one year above their actual age, accompanied by abnormal blood hormone levels and changes in gonadal ultrasound, and significant loss in height, it may be necessary to administer injections of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs to control the level of sexual development. If there is a significant loss in height, it may also be necessary to combine this with growth hormone injections to treat growth.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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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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Can precocious puberty be inherited by children?

Precocious puberty may have a hereditary factor, but it is not very typical. This means that if the parents experienced early puberty or development, their children might also potentially display early signs of puberty or development, but it is not a certainty. Children with precocious puberty typically refer to those who undergo sexual development too early, which can affect their height or their sexual development. This usually impacts their adult height. If parents show signs of early puberty or development, we need to closely monitor the sexual development of their children, observing the development of the nipples in girls and the development of the testicles and penis in boys.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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What foods can help recover from precocious puberty?

No specific food can cure the condition of precocious puberty, but it is important to avoid consuming foods high in estrogenic effects, such as dairy products, soy products, and honey, which need to be strictly controlled. Excessive intake can worsen the symptoms of precocious puberty. This includes avoiding fried foods, snacks, certain fruits, and other snacks. In everyday life, it is best to consume seasonal fruits and vegetables and maintain a balanced diet with moderate amounts of meat and eggs, which is beneficial for stabilizing hormone levels associated with precocious puberty.