As your children transition into adolescence, it is important, as a parent, that you understand the changes that they are going through. Precocious puberty or early puberty occurs when your child’s body changes into an adult’s body sooner than expected. This happens when puberty begins before the age of 8 years (in girls) and 9 years (in boys).¹

Signs and symptoms of precocious puberty

Here are some signs and symptoms that your child might experience during precocious puberty:

In girls:² Breasts start to develop, and menstruation occurs early

In boys:² Facial hair starts to appear and voice deepening (often a later sign of puberty)

Here are some common signs for both genders:²

• Rapid height growth
• Appearance of acne
• Adult body odour
• Hair growth in the underarm and pubic area

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Detection of precocious puberty

To figure out if your child has precocious puberty, you can consult a doctor who might:²

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The challenges of precocious puberty

Precocious puberty can be challenging for children; and as parents, 
it is important to understand how it might affect them emotionally and socially.³ 


For instance:

• Some children might end up shorter than others because their bones stop growing prematurely¹
• Social and emotional problems such as coping with physical changes earlier than their peers¹

As your children grow up and face changes in their body development, it is crucial to seek counselling and advice from doctors who specialise in endocrinology. This will make their transition from childhood to adolescence smoother and ensure they get the necessary care and treatment.⁴

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Helping your children through precocious puberty

Here are key points to consider:⁵

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By providing comprehensive support and personalised management strategies, healthcare professionals can help to optimise the long-term health and well-being of your children with growth disorders.⁵

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Preparing and managing transition from childhood adolescence

As a parent, it is essential to recognise the transitions in your children’s lives and to give support as they navigate through these developmental changes.⁵

Here are some tips for parents:⁵

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Key takeaways

It is necessary to recognise the signs of precocious puberty and consult a healthcare provider if you notice them in your children. By doing so, you can ensure a smoother transition for your children from childhood to adolescence.