More kids in Singapore are experiencing early puberty, some as young as five years old. We find out what’s behind this trend and the implications for your child’s health.
When Sarah (not her real name) was six years old, she was taller than her peers and had larger than normal breasts.
Her mother simply pinned this down to genetics and body fat. “We didn’t realise these were signs of early puberty. We thought she was just growing up too quickly,” said Mrs Lim (not her real name).
Sarah was diagnosed with early, or precocious, puberty during a Health Promotion Board check-up when she entered primary school.
When she was referred to a paediatrician in hospital for further check-ups, Mrs Lim was surprised and read up on early puberty after the consultations. She said it was a condition that was rarely discussed, much less known.
Paediatricians say they are seeing more children like Sarah who are reaching puberty early, most likely because parents are becoming aware of it.
Early puberty is when a child’s body begins changing into that of an adult too soon. It results in rapid growth, changes in body shape and size, and the development of the ability to reproduce.
At the National University Hospital (NUH), where Sarah is a patient, the number of children who have the condition has risen from seven in 2009 to 22 last year.
“Puberty is like a volcano which hasn’t erupted. It is normally under inhibition, until the child reaches a certain age when the inhibition forces are lifted,” says Dr Cindy Ho, a consultant at NUH’s division of paediatric endocrinology.
WHY SO EARLY?
Early puberty begins before the age of eight in girls and nine in boys.
The two main causes are central precocious puberty and peripheral precocious puberty, Dr Ho says.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Everything You Need To Know About Direct School Admission
If your kid is good at sports, music or has other talents, the DSA programme may be his key to getting into an elite secondary school or specialised school. Here’s what you should know about the process.
What Is The Right CCA For Your Primary School Kid?
Co-curricular activities (CCAs) aren’t just frivolous frills. They teach kids important life skills that can’t be found in a classroom lesson. EVELINE GAN finds out how to select the right one for your child.
Why You Shouldn't Let PSLE Stress Take Over Your Kid's Life
PSLE preparations start in Primary 5, which means a high-pressure two years for your family. Here's how to support your child so they can do their best.
Should Your Kid Skip A Vaccine Shot?
Vaccinations are a rite of passage for every Singaporean child, but what if your kid is sick before an appointment, or misses a booster dose? Find out the answers to these and other pressing questions.
Separation Anxiety, Bullies And Other Preschool Blues
Preschool is rarely a smooth journey for children. Sasha Gonzales asks the experts how to handle the most common dilemmas, from separation anxiety to having trouble making new friends.
Is Your Kid Stressed About Starting School This Year?
School kids in Singapore are more stressed than their peers overseas. If your kid is feeling the pressure, here’s how to find what's triggering his anxiety – and how to help.
Speech Problems In Singapore Kids: When Should You Worry?
How can you help your little one get over his stuttering? Should you worry that your tot doesn’t speak as well or isn’t as talkative as his cousin? Sasha Gonzales polls the experts on the pressing speech and language issues in toddlers and preschoolers here.
The Most Common Learning Difficulties In Singapore Kids
Struggling to read, write or count is a common problem for many children, but how do you know when that struggle is actually a learning difficulty or disability? Sasha Gonzales asked three experts to tell us what signs to look out for and when to know to get help.
Can You Really Un-Spoil Your Child?
Yes, there are ways to turn things around – without losing your temper. Here, the experts share strategies you can use in common bratty situations.
Bottoms Up!
Using cloth nappies helps save the Earth – and your wallet, too, say these mums who choose not to put their babies in disposable diapers.
