Your 7-year-old’s recent growth spurt came out of nowhere. And with it came acne, body odor and what looks like armpit hair.
That’s probably not something you want for your young child. They’re just not ready for all these changes so soon. So, now you’re wondering if there’s a way to stop it for a few years — until they’re mentally and emotionally ready. The good news? Early (precocious) puberty is treatable.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s pediatric hormone experts will uncover what’s causing your child’s early puberty. Then, our team will personalize treatment aimed at slowing down or stopping what’s going on. At least until your child has grown and matured a little more.
No two kids with early puberty are the same. So, why should they have the same treatment plan? Cleveland Clinic Children’s takes the time to understand your child, from their needs to their diagnosis. We make sure they always stay at the center of their care.
Our skilled pediatric endocrinology team will lead your child’s care team. They’ll work alongside pediatric providers from other specialties like psychology, radiology and child life to get the best possible treatment results. Meet our team.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s providers constantly research new, improved treatments to help kids today and tomorrow get the best possible care. We often do this through clinical trials, offering access to the latest therapies before they’re widely available.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s endocrinology team brings a wide range of clinical know-how and experience to your child’s treatment plan. Our providers excel in diagnosing, treating and managing complex hormone conditions like early puberty.
Have a child who’s not feeling up to leaving the house? Need a quick check-in with their providers? Our virtual visits make it easy to get that same one-on-one care online.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s is a trusted healthcare leader. We’re recognized throughout the U.S. for our expertise and care.
Puberty starts when hormones cause your child’s body to change into an adult one. This usually begins between ages 8 and 13 for girls. For boys, it often starts between ages 9 and 14. It’s all part of normal adolescent development.
Sometimes, your child’s hormone-producing endocrine system might flip the puberty switch too soon. This is central precocious puberty. Or maybe your child’s ovaries, testicles or adrenal glands don’t work right. This can also cause early puberty. We call it peripheral precocious puberty.
Common signs are acne, body odor, pubic and underarm hair or a growth spurt. Girls may start developing breasts or get their period. Boys might get a deeper voice, facial hair and a larger penis and testicles. When you notice these signs in your younger child, it’s time to get things checked out.
When you come to your child’s first appointment, their provider will want to learn more about what’s been going on. They’ll ask you when you first started noticing signs of early puberty and how it has affected your child’s life. And they’ll want you to feel comfortable sharing your concerns and asking questions. They’re here to help.
You can also expect your child’s provider to do a physical exam. And they may order tests to help confirm a diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Your child will likely have tests to help our team confirm a diagnosis, like:
A pediatric endocrinologist will lead your child’s care team. This team may also have other providers like:
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio.
Your child’s treatment plan will depend on what type of early puberty they have. Their care team will personalize treatment to their diagnosis and needs.
Your child’s endocrine system turns on the hormones too soon. So, our team will focus on shutting this down. Your child will get regular injections of synthetic (human-made) hormones known as puberty blockers until it’s a better time for puberty to begin.
Sometimes, ovaries, testicles or the adrenal gland don’t work as they should. When this happens, they can release hormones that cause early puberty. Our team works to stop that. We may have your child take a steroid called glucocorticoid. Or they may have surgery to remove a tumor or other growths causing the symptoms. Their care team will look at test results and go over your options before starting treatment.
Early puberty can be stressful for your child. Especially if they’re younger than 8 years old. They’re just not emotionally or mentally ready for these changes. The good news? Cleveland Clinic Children’s caring providers can pause these surprise changes. At least until your child is ready. We’re here to help your little one do what they do best — be a kid.
Getting an appointment with one of our early puberty experts is easy. We’re here to help your child get the care they need.
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