हिंदी
Everyone was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and children were not exempt. Doctors have observed a significant impact of the sedentary lifestyle, changes in eating habits, etc. that have contributed to rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Increased rates of “premature puberty,” especially in girls, is another worrying development.
In both girls and boys, puberty typically begins between the ages of 9 and 12. Premature puberty is defined as the onset of puberty in boys before the age of nine and in girls before the age of eight. Premature puberty has become more common, especially in girls, since the Covid-19 lockdown, which made sure that kids stayed at home. There has been a significant increase in the number of girls reaching precocious puberty in the past 1.5 years when compared to the number of young girls who experienced this condition prior to the year 19 of the Common Era. For girls, there are five phases of puberty: the first stage is the formation of the breast bud, followed by the growth spurt, pubic and axillary hair development, and the menstrual cycle.
Breast bud development, which typically occurs between the ages of 9 and 11, is the first indicator of puberty in girls. If parents see physical development in their child before age 9, they should take them to the doctor. Typically, parents who detect pubic and armpit hair growth bring their young daughters in. It can be challenging to treat children adequately when parents bring in their kids just six to eight months before their period and after they have through the first four stages of puberty (with evident physical growth).
Premature puberty issues:
Girls who reach puberty earlier than their friends and peers have body-consciousness due to the changes that are taking place. Worry and anxiety can also be brought on by the fear of receiving one’s period in front of others. Additionally, because bones develop quickly with cases of early puberty, height is frequently affected. Due to an early growth spurt, these females initially appear taller; however, depending on the age at which puberty begins and the speed of the process, their height may be reduced by up to 15-20 cm. Premature puberty may also cause other health problems, such as obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Treatment:
Premature puberty in a tiny percentage of girls may be caused by an underlying complex endocrine issue. Therefore, any female experiencing early puberty needs to have a thorough evaluation by an endocrinologist. Certain medications can be used to safely and efficiently treat this problem and postpone the start of menstruation. Until the child reaches the suitable age, puberty might be postponed. In order to properly seek medical assistance, it is critical for parents to understand the physical changes that occur during puberty even in the early stages.
