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Growing Up Too Fast

3,500 views · Published 22 September 2014 · 1:35 · Indexed 19 October 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2014 · Science & Technology

If you’ve heard yourself say kids today are growing up too fast- you may be right. Studies show girls in particular are reaching puberty earlier than expected.

“There’s been several articles that show that the average age of breast development has been shortened by as much as a year, a year and a half,” says Golisano Children’s Hospital pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Cayce Jehaimi.

The phrase precocious puberty describes hormonal changes.

“Whether it’s hair or breast development, below age eight is considered early.”

There are further breakdowns based on ethnicity. African-American and Hispanic girls may start developing as young as 6 ½. Tests can confirm what parents or doctors suspect. Research suggests you shouldn’t delay seeking a medical opinion for precocious puberty.

“Absolutely, there is effective, safe treatment to slow puberty or halt puberty. However this is no one-sized fits all. A lot of those girls that I see do not end up on treatment,” says Dr. Jehaimi.

Hormone injections or daily nasal sprays delay maturation for girls on an accelerated tempo. Studies show early puberty can increase the risk of depression and low self esteem.

“This is something that needs to be addressed and explained to the child,” says Dr. Jehaimi.

Medications or not, parents need to handle this delicate situation with care.

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Growing Up Too Fast

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