You may have heard of precocious puberty, but you might not be sure what causes it or what the signs and symptoms are. Here are some important facts about precocious puberty. It is a genetic disorder, and causes may vary. The causes may also be genetic, or could be caused by an injury. Learn about possible causes and treatments. There are some symptoms to look for, as well.
Causes
The causes of precocious puberty are largely unknown, but the signs and symptoms of early sexual maturation are common. The symptoms of early puberty are triggered by the release of hormones that signal the ovaries and testicles to start producing female hormones sooner than they are supposed to. The causes of early puberty can be hereditary or related to a serious medical problem. In some cases, precocious puberty can be caused by thyroid disorders, ovarian problems, and tumors. In boys, however, the condition is rare and can be the result of a hereditary or genetic disorder.
Genetic causes include a defective gene called MKRN3. This mutation can lead to early puberty in boys and girls. Another genetic factor that can cause early puberty is a mutation in the kisspeptin gene receptor. If you have this condition, you will be shorter than the average person by adulthood and likely be shorter than your peers. This can cause feelings of self-consciousness in children.
Treatment
Parents of children who are early to enter puberty should consider psychological counseling to help them deal with the challenges of this adolescent development. Behavioral counseling can help kids learn to control their emotions and handle their feelings. Psychological counseling can also be a useful tool for children with precocious puberty to limit their social and emotional difficulties. A child suffering from precocious puberty should talk to his or her doctor and family to get the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Early puberty can be caused by hormones in the body, such as testosterone and estrogen. Other causes include trauma to the brain, a family history of the disorder, or a hormone imbalance. While most children will not require treatment for precocious puberty, some treatments may be necessary. Some doctors may prescribe medications to prevent the child from undergoing puberty, while others will use hormone therapies to treat the underlying cause.
Signs
Listed below are some of the precocious puberty signs. Girls may start to grow breasts and experience their first period by age eight, while boys may start developing facial hair and deepening of their voice. If these signs do not come with other signs of sexual development, the child may be precocious. Whether you suspect your child is precocious or not, it is best to get a doctor’s opinion.
Children who are precocious can develop sexual desires at an early age. To prevent precocious puberty, talk to your child openly about your concerns. Establish clear boundaries, and explain to your child what precocious puberty means. Also, teach your child about maintaining personal hygiene, especially during her period. She will appreciate the effort you are making to help her. Precocious puberty can also cause physical changes, such as a pronounced odor.
Symptoms
A child whose body is undergoing precocious puberty can face several challenges. They might begin to show signs of sexual interest before their peers. Parents must explain these changes to their children, and they may also start sexual experimentation at an early age. Parents need to be careful not to let their children develop low self-esteem because of this change. Parents should have sex talks with their kids, and if necessary, see a psychologist.
Although 15 percent of cases of precocious puberty are a result of a underlying problem, it is still important to consult with a pediatrician to rule out a more serious cause. Some causes of precocious puberty include tumors, central nervous system disorders, and adrenal gland problems. If your child experiences breast development in a child under eight or has trouble controlling menstruation in a boy under 10 years of age, he should see a pediatrician immediately.
Genetics
A new study has highlighted the importance of a genetics-based approach to the management of central precocious puberty (CPP). In this study, researchers looked at both pathogenic and low-frequency sequence variants within genes that cause central precocious adolescence. Although the exact mechanism for CPP remains unclear, the findings suggest a link between the MKRN3 gene and early puberty.
LIN28B is a gene that influences the timing of major developmental events, including pubertal onset. Loss-of-function mutations in this gene are associated with early pubertal development. The LIN28B gene plays a critical role in the development of pubertal timing and can be the cause of precocious puberty. Genetics of precocious puberty is a complex topic, so more research is needed to determine if genetic factors play a role in the development of precocious puberty.