Comprehensive early puberty screening package for girls

Early puberty is no longer an unfamiliar term for many parents, as this condition is becoming increasingly common.

Early puberty is defined as:

• In girls: The appearance of sexual characteristics before the age of 8, especially menstruation before the age of 10.

• In boys: Physical development and the appearance of sexual characteristics before the age of 9.

Previously, the frequency of early puberty was about 2%, meaning that for every 100 children, 2 experienced early puberty. Today, the number of children with early puberty has increased significantly and varies depending on ethnicity.

Early puberty does not threaten life, but it significantly affects children's stature, psychology, and behavior:

• Reduced adult height: A reduction of 20-25cm in final adult height. If early puberty is not detected and treated, the average adult height is around 152cm for males and 156cm for females.

• Psychological disorders in children: Children feel self-conscious about physical differences compared to their peers and lack the ability to take care of themselves during menstruation.

• Increased risk of sexual abuse: The blossoming and development of an adult-like body in a still-immature mind.

Your Companion for Parents & Child:

MSc. MD. Specialist Level II NGUYỄN PHƯƠNG KHANH – Specialist in Pediatric Endocrinology, Phuong Nam Hospital

• 20 years of experience working in the field of Pediatrics, with a special focus on Pediatric Endocrinology.
• Specializes in the examination and treatment of endocrine disorders in children such as early puberty, growth retardation, diabetes, goiter, polyuria, enuresis (bedwetting), ambiguous genitalia, etc.
• Has a long history of affiliation with major pediatric hospitals in Vietnam, including Children's Hospital 1, Children's Hospital City, etc.
• Extensive experience in Pediatric Endocrinology and a deep understanding of parents' concerns.

The Comprehensive Early puberty screening package includes: consultation with a pediatric endocrinologist, laboratory tests, ultrasound, and X-ray.

Early puberty can affect a child's height and psychological well-being. Therefore, if you notice any of the following signs in your child, you should take them to see a doctor:

• Girls: Breast development, pubic hair, or armpit hair before the age of 8, or menstruation before the age of 10.
• Boys: Enlargement of the genitals, pubic hair, armpit hair, voice breaking, or acne before the age of 9.
  The doctor will order tests such as blood tests, abdominal and chest ultrasound, and a hand-wrist X-ray for bone age assessment. Depending on the results, the doctor may order further specialized blood tests and a brain MRI to diagnose early puberty. Blood tests, bone age X-rays, or ultrasounds may be repeated multiple times to monitor the child's development.