So, tonight I discovered my 8 year old daughter has begun growing pubic hair--very little but it is there. I began noticing underarm hair a month or two ago. This is beginning earlier than I was prepared for! Anyone else?
Thanks everyone. She actually sees an endocronologist 2 times a year and is due for another visit next month. We are definitely on top of her growth--has always been very tall for her age. She began wearing deodorant at age 5, so I knew this was coming. It just caught me off guard I guess. She'll be fine, and I'll be fine. I appreciate the feedback.
The average age of girls getting their period in this country is 11...that means that some get their period when they're 9. Yes, it's earlier than previous generations...but they think it has to do with kids carrying more weight now than in the past. Pubic hair is one sign that she's entering puberty....but usually that happens before full blown menstruation etc.
The "Tween" years, are from 9-12 years old.
Yes, they start to have changes already.
My girl did at 8 years old.
Also used deodorant too.
Some girls will even get their periods at 9 years old. This is also per my daughter's Teachers.
Hair growth is pre- puberty developments.
You can always ask your Pediatrician too.
Get the "American Girl" book series. It is for girls these ages, and their Mom, and so they both can talk about it.
My daughter who is 10 now, loves these books.
I was the same age when I started with deodorant and shaving underarms.
I was 11 when I got my period.
So there's no difference now then there was roughly 40 yrs ago.
Do you remember when you started?
I'm willing to bet fifty cents you were about the same age.
Although if your daughter varies a bit from you then she gets it from her fathers side of the family.
Ready or not, they grow up faster than we think!
I know my cousin started her period when she was 8! Poor girl! Lol.
I have actually known several boys with early puberty... 2 of my brothers were the same as your son. I used to baby sit a 6 year old with pit hair and a little mustache! It was crazy.
I would recommend getting a "care and keeping of me" or a body book, so he/she (not sure what gender your LO is...) is prepared for whatever changes will come next. Even if it isn't full-blown puberty, any changes can be confusing.
I had my first period in 4th grade. A lot of the girls start wearing deodorant in 1st grade and have hair by 3rd. I don't really think it's unusual. Ask the pediatrician - ours is really good about observing the signs and predicting what's to come and when.
CL
She's 8 years old...what are you doing looking at her that closely?
Do you eat a lot of processed foods?
Do you eat a lot of things that have hormones in them?
If so - this can be causing her hormones to develop too fast.
She should be seen by a pediatric endocrinologist to ensure she doesn't have an issue that can be nipped in the bud.
Start REALLY LOOKING at what you feed your family. The more processed it is, the more likely it will be filled with preservatives and hormones...now keep in mind - I am NOT an organic person. But I do pay attention to what goes in my family's bodies. People complain about kids growing up too fast these days...part of the problem is what we feed our children.
Keep in mind that puberty can start at the age of 9. This does NOT mean she's starting puberty. It could be that she has too many hormones...please talk with your pediatrician and ask for a referral to a pediatric endocrinologist.
Best of luck to you!
Normal.
Pubic hair is NOT a sign of puberty.
That's a common misconception.
You need to get her to a pediatric Endocrinologist ASAP. Is her weight high? She might be in danger of developing PCOS. It's better to know that early on and monitor it.
My daughter was 4 when this happened so your daughter is doing good. My daughter will be 7 next month. Her underarm hair grew fast and she was wearing deorderant at 4. You could see a little pubic hair and it hasn't grown much in the 3 year time.
I think next summer I will have to shave her underarm hair. My Mother doesn't want me to shave it but the kids at school are noticing it and she is embarrassed. I don't want her to be embarrassed.
I think I am facing early puberty with her. Her doctor is watching her but I hope she can at least wait until she's 10.
My daughter was nine when she had her first period.
Anyone I knew who started that early was sent to endocrinologist . Precocious puberty is a real diagnosis and it can be put off. I would ask my pediatrician.
My son started puberty a bit early, just a little older than your daughter. We are going through some of the issues with it, so I'll tell you what I know.
The signs you are seeing may mean she's in puberty, but not necessarily. First, you need to go to your pediatrician to get a blood test, that will tell you if she is truly in puberty or not. If she isn't, you will probably just keep an eye on her. If she is, she will probably need to go to a pediatric endocrinologist..
The biggest risk for early puberty is stunted growth. It can cause them to miss growing years and/or stop growing too early. They keep track by taking an x-Ray of the child's arm for bone "age" and compare it to their chronological age. My son's "final" x-Ray showed that in 6 months he grew what he should had in a year, but his bone "aged" two years. This means he lost a year (about 2-3 inches) of growth in 6 months!
We opted to stop puberty until he can get a couple more years of growth.
Honestly, it's probably best to at least talk to her doctor and get the simple blood test for piece of mind. Our doctor told us they can have the hair growth a year or two before actual puberty, but the only way to know for sure is the blood test.
Hope this helps! If you need any more info, please feel free to message me.
