Doctors are observing an upsurge in ‘premature puberty’,particularly among females. Here are the causes, difficulties associated with precocious puberty, and treatments recommended by experts.
The Covid-19 epidemic affected everyone’s life, and it did not spare youngsters, as physicians have seen a significant influence on the sedentary lifestyle, changes in eating habits, and other factors that have led to rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Another alarming trend is the rise in ‘premature puberty’,particularly among females.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sweta Budyal, Consultant – Diabetology and Endocrinology at Fortis Hospital in Mulund, described what is early puberty and stated, “The usual age for beginning of puberty in females and boys is 9 to 12 years. Premature puberty occurs when the beginning of puberty occurs before the age of nine in boys and before the age of eight in girls. Premature puberty has become more common in females since the Covid-19 lockdown, which guaranteed that children remained at home. When compared to pre-Covid-19 periods, there has been a significant increase in the frequency of young females experiencing precocious puberty in the last 1.5 years.
“The initial indicator of puberty in females is breast bud development, followed by growth spurt, pubic and axillary hair development, and the last stage is the commencement of menses”.
“There are several presumptions for the growth in the number of young girls hitting premature puberty, some of which being fast weight gain, unmonitored nutrition, stress, and a lack of play time,” she added of the influence of the Covid-19 epidemic on puberty. There are also various studies that show the dangers of chemical exposure to youngsters nowadays. The Endocrine system is affected by increasing chemical exposure, which has been related to early puberty. The puberty centre of the brain It begins when it detects the body displaying indications of physical maturity.
“The first indicator of puberty in females is breast bud growth (usually between the ages of 9 and 11 years), parents should contact the doctor if they observe physical development earlier than 9 years of age,” she said. When parents detect pubic and armpit hair development, they usually bring in their young girls. When a kid has completed the first four phases of puberty (with observable physical growth) and is only six to eight months away from their menstrual cycle, it becomes challenging to manage them adequately.”
Premature puberty causes the following issues:
According to Dr Sweta Budyal, it is difficult for parents to explain the stages of puberty and menstruation to their children when they are younger. “Self-consciousness about the changes occurring in their bodies effects females who reach puberty before their friends and peers”, she said. Worry of having their menstrual period in public may also create fear and anxiety. Furthermore, because bones grow fast in precocious puberty situations, height is frequently influenced.
Because of a premature growth spurt, these females appear taller at first, but their height may be reduced by up to 15-20cms depending on age at puberty onset and rate of advancement. Premature puberty may also result in the development of various health problems such as obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)”.
Treatment:
“In a tiny proportion of females, precocious puberty may be the outcome of an underlying complicated endocrine disorder”,Dr Sweta Budyal stated. As a result, all females experiencing precocious puberty should be evaluated by an Endocrinologist. Certain medications can safely and efficiently postpone the beginning of menstruation in this disease. Puberty can be postponed till the youngster is at an acceptable age. It is critical for parents to understand the physical changes that occur throughout puberty in the early stages so that medical assistance may be sought at the right time”.
Premature puberty: causes, consequences, and therapy
