Puberty Problems
Puberty begins when your daughter’s body begins producing increased amounts of certain hormones, leading to physical and emotional changes. In girls, changes include breast development, pubic hair growth, a growth spurt, and finally the start of menstrual periods. Girls grow and develop at different rates, and the normal onset of puberty is sometime between the ages of 10 and 13.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric and Adolescent Puberty Problems?
If your daughter is experiencing puberty problems, her symptoms may include:
- Lack of breast development by age 13
- Lack of pubic hair by age 14
- More than 5 years between breast development and first period
- Delayed period that hasn’t started by age 15
- Breast growth, having a period, development of pubic hair, or other signs of puberty occurring before age 7 or 8
How are Pediatric and Adolescent Puberty Problems treated?
If your daughter’s doctor discovers a problem with the onset or progression of her puberty, her treatment will depend on symptoms and the underlying cause of the problems.
Treatment may include:
- Observation with regular check-ups
- Hormone therapy
- Surgery to correct issues of anatomy
- Counseling to help your daughter, and your family, deal with the social and emotional challenges of delayed or early puberty.