Puberty Concerns

 

At Texas Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, Oluyemisi Adeyemi-Fowode, MD, and the medical team offer on-site evaluations for premature breast development (thelarche), premature puberty, delayed puberty, and other common puberty concerns. To schedule a consultation for puberty concerns in your child, call Texas Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology in Sugar Land, Texas, or book an appointment online today.

 

Puberty Concerns Q & A

 

Puberty is the time when a girl’s body starts increasing its production of reproductive hormones, which leads to changes in their physical and emotional health. These changes include the development of breast tissue, growth spurt, and the start of her menstrual cycle (menses). This usually happens within a 2-3 year time span.

 

 

While girls grow at different rates, the average onset of puberty is between ages 8-13. Early puberty or delays in puberty may need diagnostic evaluation.

 

What are common puberty concerns?

 

Common puberty concerns in girls that the Texas Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology team can diagnose and treat include:

 

Precocious puberty occurs in girls who start to develop before age 7-8.

 

Delayed puberty in girls occurs when there’s no development of breast tissue by age 13 or when periods don’t start by age 16.

 

Contrasexual pubertal development is a condition where a female child develops characteristics of the opposite sex. In girls, this can include a deep voice or facial hair.

 

Premature thelarche is breast development without any other signs of puberty.

 

Premature menarche defines periods that start without any other signs of puberty.

 

Premature adrenarche is the appearance of pubic hair without any other signs of puberty.

 

When should I seek treatment for puberty concerns?

 

Common puberty concerns can result from a variety of underlying issues, such as:

 

• Heredity
• Genetic disorders
• Pituitary gland dysfunction
• Thyroid disorders

 

The team at Texas Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology offers diagnostic testing services in-office to determine what’s causing puberty concerns. Based on the test results, Dr. Yemi can customize a treatment plan if necessary.

 

 

How are puberty concerns treated?

 

Treatment will depend on the cause of the puberty concerns. Some girls won’t need treatment, but the team will continue to watch their growth and development throughout puberty. Medications may be necessary for some while others may require surgery.

 

 

The team at Texas Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology also offers resources to help young girls and their parents cope with the emotional issues that can result from early or delayed puberty.

 

Call Texas Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for your child to address puberty concerns or book a consultation online.