Question
My daughter is 9 years old, standing at 140 centimeters and weighing 43 kilograms. Since she was 8 years old, she has shown signs of breast development, and over the past year, she has gained weight rapidly, with her breast development and height growth also accelerating. Although she has always been taller than her peers, during her recent hospital check-up, the doctor said she shows symptoms of precocious puberty. I would like to ask, does precocious puberty in children require treatment?
Answer
Precocious puberty is a common endocrine disorder in children, where girls typically develop secondary sexual characteristics before the age of 8 and boys before 9 and a half years old, or girls before the age of 10 start menstruating. Children with precocious puberty often experience accelerated growth in height and weight. Based on your description, your daughter indeed shows signs of precocious puberty. It is recommended to undergo endocrine hormone tests for a definitive diagnosis. In terms of treatment, it is advisable to avoid consuming hormone-containing foods and medications and to identify the cause. If necessary, medication treatment can be considered. It is suggested to avoid consuming foods containing bioestrogens such as soybeans, honey, royal jelly, as these may promote precocious puberty.