Question
What are the dangers of early puberty in girls? This 10-year-old girl has already started her period. With such an early maturity, will it prevent her from growing tall, or will she gain much more weight than her peers? Can the potential dangers of early puberty be prevented?
Answer
Girls entering puberty before the age of 8 and boys before 9 are considered to have early puberty. The main harm to children is that it can affect their height. Generally, girls may reach the end of puberty around 15-16 years old, with bone growth stopping. However, girls with early puberty may enter puberty as early as 12-13 years old, with bone growth stopping and growth halting. The same is true for boys with early puberty, which also affects their height. Due to early menstruation and secondary sexual characteristics, girls are more prone to psychological problems and sexual abuse. Boys who lose their sperm prematurely are also more likely to experience psychological issues.