Patient's question:
My daughter is 9.4 years old this year. Bone age, assessed by the scoring method, is 11.2--11.3. Her sex hormone levels are elevated. Ultrasound shows her uterus is larger than that of her peers, with multiple follicles larger than 4mm. Breast development is at stage III, with secretions. She has pubic hair and armpit hair resembling coarse hair. Is my child experiencing precocious puberty?Doctor's answer:
Precocious puberty is a sexual development disorder characterized by the premature onset of sexual maturation. Generally, if a girl exhibits secondary sexual characteristics before the age of eight or a boy before the age of nine, it should be considered precocious puberty. The main manifestations include breast development, pubic hair, underarm hair, rapid increases in height and weight, and the development of external genitalia. This condition requires testing of gonadal hormone levels. Once diagnosed, medication is needed to suppress gonadal activation to achieve normal height. Otherwise, it may cause the child to develop a sense of inferiority and negatively impact both their psychological and physiological health, leading to significantly lower height compared to peers of the same age.