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