Pediatricians Share Important Things Should You to Know About Puberty

Puberty (or sexual maturation) for women can start as early as age 11 to age 14, and boys can range from age 13 to 16, state experts. But, while puberty can be an interesting time, it can also be scary and awkward, spurring aggravation and confusion in both kids and parents. Dr. Michael McKenna, basic pediatrician at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, provides assuring answers to common concerns.

Why do some women and kids begin puberty previously or later than others? "Genetics play a big role," states Dr. McKenna. "When puberty starts is the same response behind why someone's eye color is green or blue, or why some people are taller than others. If a mother began her puberty at a younger age, probably her child will, too. There's absolutely nothing one can do to begin puberty-- it simply naturally begins."

Should parents worry if their kid is showing indications of early puberty? "We are seeing more youthful kids, even four and 5 years of age, with a little bit of darker underarm hair or body odor, but this is various than real puberty," says Dr. McKenna. He continues, "These are premature signs of regular body advancement and are typically a separated growth in one area, versus numerous locations that establish simultaneously during puberty." But parents ought to not identify anything on their own. "Talk to a pediatrician about any changes in a child's advancement-- especially puberty-- since it's a big turning point," states Dr. McKenna.

What are four reasons moms and dads should be concerned their kid may be starting puberty prematurely? "If a little one is having more body odor, more underarm or pubic hair development, breast development in the woman and a considerable growth spurt, these are needs to have a conversation with the pediatrician," says Dr. McKenna. These could be signs of precocious puberty, or the early beginning of puberty. AAP explains that precocious puberty happens prior to the age of 8 in ladies (indications include progressive breast advancement, growth acceleration and early menstruation) and prior to the age of 9 in kids (signs consist of penile and testicular enlargement, enhanced musculature and body hair, development velocity and deepening of the voice). "If precocious puberty is a possibility, it's an excellent reason to speak with a pediatric endocrinologist," says Dr. McKenna. "Children who start puberty too soon risk a reduced final adult height and experience more mental and emotional scars from the physical modifications."

Do ecological elements contribute in the early beginning of puberty? "The only environmental aspect shown to begin puberty earlier is enhanced body weight," says Dr. McKenna. "For example, in kids, fat tissue in the body converts a testosterone precursor into testosterone. Testosterone is one of the hormonal agents responsible for pubic hair development and body smell development in puberty. Therefore, more fat can make more testosterone."

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