Puberty is a process in which the body begins to change morphologically from the body of a child to the body of an adult human being. This process includes rapid growth of bones and muscles, a change in the shape and size of the body, in addition to acquiring the ability to reproduce.
Normal puberty occurs between the ages of 8-12 in girls, and between 9-14 in boys. Therefore, the period of puberty is considered early if it appears before the age of eight in girls, or before the age of nine in boys.
The natural process of puberty
The process of puberty is complex and regulated by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. The process takes place in several stages:
The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH).
The pituitary gland (Hypophysis), located at the bottom of the brain, secretes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
These hormones trigger the secretion of sex hormones from the sex glands.
The testicles produce the hormone testosterone in males, and in women the ovaries produce estrogen.
The adrenal gland produces sex hormones in response.
The typical changes of puberty appear in proportion to sex.
Early puberty symptoms
Early sexual puberty means that one of the following symptoms appears before the correct age of puberty:
1. Symptoms of early puberty in girls
Among the most important symptoms that appear in girls
Breasts start to grow.
Menstruation for the first time.
2. Symptoms of early puberty in boys
Among the most important symptoms characteristic of boys
Increase in the size of the testicles and penis.
The appearance of hair on the face, and is generally above the upper lip.
The sound is more coarse.
3. Common precocious puberty symptoms
Symptoms common to both sexes
The appearance of pubic and underarm hair.
rapid growth.
the appearance of acne
An adult-like body odor is an indicator of puberty.
Causes and risk factors for precocious puberty
There are many causes and factors that cause precocious puberty
1. Causes of precocious puberty
The cause of precocious puberty in general is unknown. The origin of precocious puberty may be due to a major problem in the stimulus responsible for the secretion of sex hormones, or puberty may be due to a side problem that leads to an increase in sex hormones from different sources.
The main factors that cause precocious puberty
Although there is no organic cause for the occurrence of precocious puberty, it is clear that the following factors are present:
The presence of a tumor or infection in the central nervous system.
A congenital defect in the brain, such as: hydrocephlus or a hamartoma.
Exposure to radiation or direct injury to the central nervous system.
Congenital overactivity of the adrenal gland.
Hypothyroidism.
Side factors that cause precocious puberty
Early puberty is rare, and is caused by the secretion of sex hormones from different sources. The factors may be:
Tumors in the adrenal gland or pituitary gland, which secrete sex hormones.
Exposure to synthetic sex hormones.
McCune Albright Syndrome.
Tumors or cysts in the ovaries in women.
Tumors in the testicles, which lead to the secretion of sex hormones.
2. Risk factors
Precocious puberty is more common in the following groups
girls.
People with brown skin.
People who suffer from the problem of excess weight.
Exposure to sex hormones, such as: estrogen and progesterone contained in preparations.
Complications of precocious puberty
Complications of precocious puberty include
In precocious puberty, boys begin to develop early, so in the early stages they are relatively taller than their peers, but when they get older they are below average.
Polycystic ovary syndrome in girls.
Early Puberty Diagnosis
The doctor investigates the process of puberty in the family history, a clinical examination, and a set of tests, the most important of which are the following:
X-ray of the boy''s hand and arm.
Hormone level check.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain.
Thyroid hormone test.
early puberty treatment
Treatment depends on the cause as follows
1. Treatment of unexplained precocious puberty
Central precocious puberty in boys can be effectively treated with drugs.
Treatment includes monthly injections of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, a hormone that suppresses the hypothalamus, which prevents the continuation of the early puberty process. The treatment continues until the boy or girl reaches the usual age of puberty. If treatment is stopped, the process of puberty will continue.
2. Treating precocious puberty based on the cause
When the cause of precocious puberty is physical, treatment is centered on the underlying cause of precocious puberty, for example if puberty is caused by a hormone-secreting tumor, removing the tumor leads to the cessation of precocious puberty.
Prevention of early puberty
Among the most important prevention methods are the following
Keep children away from preparations that contain sex hormones found in drugs and food additives.
Maintain a moderate weight.
