Understand the possible complications of precocious puberty for the child

Early puberty is characterized by the development of sexual characteristics before the correct age. In general, it is characterized when girls under the age of eight begin to have initial breast growth and when boys under the age of nine begin to have increased testicle volume.

It may seem something not so complex, but puberty precocious development involves the development of a body of adolescent in children who are not yet ready for it, both physically and emotionally. The problem is not preventable, but detecting and seeking treatment early is ideal. "The risks are caused by the early exposure to sex hormones and their alterations, so these problems are minor in that they receive treatment," explains pediatric endocrinologist Felipe Monti Lora, a member of the Center for Excellence in Childhood Obesity Hospital Sabará Hospital,

The following are the main risks to which children with precocious puberty are exposed:

Impact on growth and height

Boy measuring his own height - Photo: Getty Images

When early the child's body enters the puberty stage, the earlier the sex hormones act, causing the cartilages of the bones to close, preventing growth. "For bones to grow, there needs to be areas of cartilage where cells multiply to increase their size. At each stage of life, therefore, we assign an age to the bone (which is not our chronological age), and we expect a certain growth ", explains the pediatric endocrinologist Felipe Monti Lora. The result is children with precocious puberty reach lower heights than they could.

Psychological Issues

Puberty is a time of physical changes, but also of behavioral and psychological changes. "It is at this stage that the family baths are suspended and the doors are locked. Imagine these changes in children, who are not yet ready for this and do not see the same physical changes in their friends?" Comments the hebiatress Andrea Hercowitz , pediatrician specializing in adolescents, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. Dealing with the difference between herself and her friends is a sensitive point also for the child with precocious puberty, and she may end up suffering from social isolation, aggression or even depressive behavior.

Mood Disorders

A study published in scientific journal The Obstetrician & Gynecologist Journal in 2012 showed that girls with precocious puberty were more likely to develop mood disorders. The cause of this is not known, but there is probably a relation to the difference between physical and chronological age. "The appearance of secondary sexual characters in young girls can trigger psychological and social problems, which is directly related to the way the adults around them act, with regard to the reception, orientation and requirements," explains the hebiatra Andrea . In addition, there is evidence that the hormones of puberty act not only on the sex organs but also on the brain. "Perhaps early exposure to increased numbers of these hormones will increase the incidence of disorders in a more susceptible and immature brain," argues the endocrinologist Lora.

Teen Pregnancy

Teen Pregnancy Test - Photo: Getty Images

The discrepancy between body and mind also make these girls more likely to begin sex life sooner and unprepared, making them susceptible to teenage pregnancy. "Ripe and fertile bodies in immature and poorly informed individuals become a risk when it comes to prevention of both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases," says Andrea.Fertility Problems

Because it is a picture that affects sex hormones, there is a chance that early puberty will affect the fertility of those who have it. Especially if it is a secondary picture, that is, where the problem is in the sex glands. "Girls with precocious puberty caused by adrenal hyperplasia, for example, have high levels of androgens, which can lead to infertility," says the Hebiatra.

Reproductive system cancers

Some cancers that occur in the reproductive tract are stimulated by the presence of sex hormones in the body, and estrogen (female sex hormone) is one of the most related to this problem. As the child is exposed to their action early on, this poses a danger! "The greater the presence of estrogen, the greater the stimulation for the onset of these cancers and, therefore, the greater the risk," says the pediatric endocrinologist Lora.

Be aware of risk factors for fetal growth restriction

Fetal growth restriction, also called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), is the term used to designate a fetus that has not reached its growth potential due to genetic or environmental factors. It can be caused by fetal, placental and / or maternal factors, but we are not always able to perform such identification.

(Family)

Mothers suffering from discrimination have babies underweight

The emotional state of the mother directly interferes with the child's growth and health. Now a study at Yale University in the United States has found a link between the stress of discrimination in mothers and the development of the baby. Students spoke to 420 pregnant women with Latino and black ancestry who suffered some kind of prejudice during the pregnancy.

(Family)