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Conditions

Precocious Puberty

Precocious Puberty

This unusual condition results in the very early onset of puberty and its associated symptoms and changes. This includes early growth of pubic hair, breast growth amongst girls and development of the male genitalia. Although there is no official ‘norm’ for starting puberty, precocious puberty normally refers to the onset of these symptoms significantly earlier than 8 years old. Although there have been cases linked to hormonal problems and brain injury, most cases have no clear cause. One of the key concerns surrounding precocious puberty is that it leads to a growth spurt that leaves children taller than other kids for a while, but then significantly shorter in later life. Treatment is normally focussed on hormone therapy to try and control the development rate.

If you think your child may be going through early puberty, check our guide especially for parents on Embarrassing Bodies: Kids website.

Comments and Questions

The EB doctors have been looking at your comments and have answered some of the common questions below. Remember that it is always best to check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.

You can share your experiences and thoughts with other Embarrassing Bodies site-users below. Comments & Questions are reviewed by moderators, but if you see anything on the site that worries you, please report it and one of our moderators will look at it as soon as possible.
Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.

Im am 20 years old i came on my period 2 weeks go and im still on is this normal?





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im 17 and i had a few periods and now thay have stopped what should i do ???? i haven't had one for about 4 months why???? (i have not had sex)





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hey im 18 years old and i have been getting reoccuring bladder and yeast infections i get at least 4 infections a month i have been told to pee after intercourse and drink water to flush it out but why do i still get them i know everyone has a different amount of bacteria but why 3 bladder infections and o ne yeast infection a month? im dying for help





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I am 13 and i keep getting this smelly clear cloudy discharge in my knickers. its really embarrassing cuz i have to spray deodorante (soz spelling)on my pants. :( i am not close enough to someone to tell them about it and i am no way going to a doctors :/ Please help





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when you start your first period does it make you stop growing some people have been asking that you wont grow after that ?





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i am 15 and i have started puberty but my penis has stayed the same length as before. my voice hasn't brken yet or shown no signs of it happening. this voice is causing problems afor me at school. is everything ok and normal.





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im 14 and i started my periods early on in the year. i should of been on last week but i havent. im scared to tell my mum and i really dont want to go to the doctors. is this normal or not? would masterbating have anything to do with it?





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When you have just started your period, it takes months and even years for it to regulate. Your periods may come a lot sooner or later than you predict. Its totally normal. Wait a while and it should come, unless you think you may be pregnant or have some sort of STI. Then you should see a doctor.

Im 15 And I Had Sexual Intercourse In april. in april and may i had both periods but its now june and my period has not come. im quite scared and i have no clue what to do. i know you have irregular periods from time to time but i've always been dead on time. so i have no idea what to do im really scared and i cant tell my family. i really regret what i have done. i always think the worst of a situation so could someone please set me straight. Somebody please help.





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You should see a doctor. You definitely aren't pregnant but you may have an STI or vitamin deficiency. It is probably nothing.

im 13 and havent started puberty is this normall ??





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I don't have an answer but i can relate to this. I'm 14 years old, and my testicles haven't enlarged yet. I've been through almost every single stage but that, so all I can say it wait. There are many other forums with teenagers like us asking the very same question, and the response is always to simply wait.

Yes it is. Simple as that. There are some people who don't start at 16/17. Thats just they way some people are.

I am 15 i have gone through all of the normal symptoms of puberty apart from my penis ans testicles have not grown is this normal?





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Please don't swear or be rude in your questions, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting questions. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

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Important Notice

The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.


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