Puberty In Perspectiveby Karen Platt“I was helping Lucy wash her hair,” said Sarah, referring to her eight-year-old daughter, “and it suddenly struck me that she had these little bumps on her chest. They didn’t amount to much but they were definitely the beginning of breasts. I didn’t say anything but I was pretty surprised. I mean, she’s only eight. She’s too young to be developing already!”
“When we got in the car after soccer practice it hit me like a hammer,” said Bob. “All of a sudden, my 10-year-old stank like an old gym bag. I thought ‘how can a little kid smell like this?’”
Ahh puberty, that sweet, tender time in a young person’s life—anticipated, feared, ignored, celebrated, prayed for, despised, unavoidable. One day your baby smells all sweet and fresh; the next, like a locker room. One minute she’s hanging on your every word; the next, she can’t hear you through the iPod or the slamming door. One week, a peaches-and-cream complexion; the next, acne. One month you’re absentmindedly rubbing his head; the next, he’s quite consciously (okay, obnoxiously) patting yours—from a few inches above. And on it goes: periods, wet dreams, body hair, body odour, breasts (too big or too small), height (too short or too tall), erections (generally at the wrong time), new, overwhelming and all-too-absorbing feelings toward a childhood pal.
Kids aren’t the only ones adjusting to pubertal changes; parents may be caught off guard and ill prepared, especially if a child starts developing long before either expects. Most of us realize that puberty is an inevitable part of growing up and we likely figure that around 12, maybe 13, is about the “right” or “normal” time for it to begin. But is it? Many parents are seeing signs of puberty in children much younger, a fact that has been confirmed by scientific research.
Today, North American girls generally begin puberty between eight and 13 years old; boys about a year later, between nine and 14 years. Both genders experience the onset of puberty significantly earlier as compared to studies from 30 or 40 years ago.
A parent may be concerned that a child is developing too soon, but it’s not uncommon for girls to show a sign of development—breasts or pubic hair—at the tender age of eight; boys as young as nine—testicles beginning to enlarge or some pubic hair (note that the difference in where changes occur can make it more difficult to detect pubertal changes in boys). While this may throw parents for a loop, the medical community regards these changes as within an acceptable, “normal” age range.
Theories abound as to why the age of puberty has dropped over the years. One common belief holds that “better” nutrition and an overweight population contribute to earlier development. Estrogen production and menstruation are linked to body fat and weight—more body fat may translate to an earlier puberty.
What about the role of hormones and other supplements used in industrial meat, dairy and poultry production, and about our exposure to environmental contaminants and toxins (chemicals, pesticides, phthalates, Bisphenol A etc.)? These substances may act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the production or activity of hormones in the body. Note that in Canada, dairy farmers are no longer allowed to use hormones in milk products but this practice is still permitted in the U.S. (something to consider if you are traveling to the States).
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that regular use of products containing lavender and tea tree oil—such as soaps, lotions, shampoos and hair products—may cause prepubertal gynecomastia (breast development) in boys. While it is not uncommon for boys to have some short-term breast development at puberty that generally disappears as the chest expands, it is rare to find this condition in boys before they reach puberty. Although the study was small (three boys, ages four, seven and 10), in each case researchers found that when the boys stopped using the suspected products, the condition subsided. Studies are ongoing.
While there’s no definitive answer to why our children are developing at younger ages, the reality of seeing your baby looking strangely mature can stop any parent in their tracks. And it can create anxiety for kids too. So how does a parent know what to do or when young is “too young?”
A little very basic biology review: puberty begins when GnRH, a hormone from the hypothalamus in the brain, acts on the pituitary gland to produce two other hormones, LH and FSH. LH and FSH will cause a girl’s ovaries to produce estrogen and a boy’s testicles to produce testosterone, the main hormones responsible for our female and male sexual characteristics. Estrogen and testosterone are what cause the changes of puberty.
When children show signs of development before age eight in girls and nine in boys, doctors call it “precocious puberty.” Precocious puberty is rare and occurs more commonly in girls than boys (although its cause is more likely to be serious in boys). It can be emotionally, physically and socially difficult for children, and challenging for parents too.
Sometimes kids simply begin puberty early for no known reason. But precocious puberty may have an underlying cause including certain diseases or tumours, so if a parent is concerned about a child’s development, it’s important to have him assessed by a doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Very early developers are often initially taller than their peers but as bone growth can stop early, they can end up much shorter than the norm.
If your physician suspects precocious puberty, she will likely refer your child to a paediatrician or paediatric endocrinologist. The doctor may order blood and urine tests to assess the levels of sex hormones in your child’s system, and x-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds or other scans to assess bone development and help rule out the presence of any tumour that may be causing the condition. Treatment will depend upon the cause and is generally aimed at delaying sexual development and bone maturation.
Whether your child is simply an “early bloomer” or has true precocious puberty, it is important to be open and honest with her about what is happening to her body. If she needs treatment, explain (and make sure the doctor explains) what she can expect. Be open to her questions but don’t wait for her to ask before you talk.
It can be frightening and alienating for a child to look and feel “different” from his peers. Be aware of signs that your child may be being bullied or teased. Girls who develop early are particularly prone to being unfairly labeled (easy, slut, etc) or approached by older youth or men.
Reassure a child that everyone goes through puberty, her body has just gone there earlier than most. If she is prescribed medication, make sure she understands why she is taking it and what it will accomplish. Focus on other things such as her achievements, abilities and interests and encourage others to do the same. Despite our societal preoccupation with looks, appearance is only one small part of who we are. Regardless of how mature a child may appear, his brain is most likely developing at the same rate as his peers. In other words, in case you hadn’t noticed, your pubescent 10-year-old will still think and act like any other 10-year-old.
Karen Platt is a staff writer for Island Parent and a sexual health educator. For information about workshops, e-mail thetalk@shaw.ca.Precocios Puberty
What's Normal, What's NotIf your child develops any of the following signs of puberty BEFORE age 8 (girls) or age 9 (boys), make an appointment to see your health care provider:
Girls• Breast Growth
• First period (menstruation)
Boys• Enlarged testicles and penis
• Facial hair (usually on upper lip first)
• Deepening voice
Both girls and boys • Pubic or underarm hair
• Rapid growth
• Acne
• Adult body odor
www.mayoclinic.com
