Content of the video is professionally consulted by Nguyen Thi Hoan, Assoc.Prof, MD, Center for Pediatrics - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital
Everyone goes through puberty in their lifetime, it is the transition period between a child and an adult. Simply put, puberty is when the body matures sexually, begins to have reproductive ability. For boys, there will be a first ejaculation and girls will have their first menstruation. A child can have early or late puberty. So, what to do in case of premature puberty?
Many people still do not understand what premature puberty is. In fact, the rate of premature puberty in Vietnam is increasing, and this disease has a negative impact on children's development. Premature puberty is the development of secondary sexual characteristics earlier than normal (for girls under 8 years old, menstruation before 9 years old and for boys under 9 years old). According to statistics, the rate of premature puberty in girls is about 10 times higher than that of boys, the common manifestations are breast development, nipples, areolae slightly protruding and widening, armpit hair, pubic hair... and the appearance of menstruation.
To determine if a child has premature puberty, it is necessary to determine two issues:
• Firstly: The child is showing signs of puberty
• Secondly: What is the cause of premature puberty?
Regardless of the cause, premature puberty will have a certain impact on later development, some consequences include:
• Affecting the child's psychology, causing shyness, making children feel inferior and insecure;
• Limited height: At the time of puberty, children may be taller than their peers, however, premature puberty causes the joints to close earlier than normal, shortening the growth period, thereby affecting the child's height in adulthood;
• Affecting the child's learning ability;
• Girls with early puberty will have early endocrine disorders causing polycystic ovary syndrome, affecting fertility;
• Children with early puberty will tend to have early sexual relations before adulthood, resulting in unintended pregnancy for girls due to lack of knowledge.
Premature puberty causes many consequences that affect the child's health and psychology. Preventing premature puberty in children will help children develop comprehensively and be happier and more optimistic in life.
To prevent premature puberty in children, it is necessary to eliminate risk factors, specifically:
• Have a balanced diet: Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in your daily meals, ensure adequate protein, limit the use of processed foods and sweets, fried foods... containing a lot of fat. Pay attention to choosing safe foods, foods containing growth hormones will affect early puberty.
• Help children increase physical activity: Children who exercise a lot will help burn energy such as swimming, jumping rope, playing football, playing badminton... thereby developing healthier.
