Question

A friend’s child is only 6 years old but has already started menstruating. At first, they thought it was a sickness, and only after a thorough check-up at the hospital did they find out it was the onset of menstruation. It scared the friend, not knowing what to do. How should one handle early puberty in a 6-year-old child?

Answer

If a 6-year-old child has already started menstruating, this is definitely a case of early puberty. Normally, girls should start their menstrual cycle between the ages of 11 to 16. In such cases, it’s possible that too many hormone-rich foods have been consumed regularly, so it’s important to avoid excessive intake of junk food and maintain a healthy diet for stability. For the treatment and prevention of early puberty in a 6-year-old, the following measures can be taken:

  1. Medical Consultation: It is recommended to take the child to the hospital as soon as possible to seek professional medical advice and recommendations. The doctor will formulate an appropriate treatment plan based on the specific situation.
  2. Dietary Adjustment: Avoid giving the child excessive hormone-rich foods and junk food, and try to provide a healthy and balanced diet that includes nutritious foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
  3. Psychological Care: Provide the child with enough care and support to help her adapt to the changes in physical development and answer any questions or confusion she may have.
  4. Regular Check-ups: Follow the doctor’s advice and regularly bring the child for follow-up checks to monitor her physical development and treatment outcomes. Please note that the above measures are for reference only, and specific treatment methods should be based on the child’s physical condition and the doctor’s guidance. Early detection of early puberty and taking appropriate treatment and preventive measures can help protect the child’s healthy growth.