The 9-year-old has a chest circumference of 95 cm.

Quang Ninh: A young girl with exceptionally rapid height and weight development, and a chest circumference of 95 cm, has been diagnosed by doctors with precocious puberty.

On September 15th, Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Linh, from the Respiratory - Cardiovascular - Digestive - Neurological Department of Quang Ninh Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, reported that the child was admitted with a height of 1.49 m, a weight of 55 kg, and a chest circumference of 95 cm. Meanwhile, the average weight for girls of this age is 28-41 kg and height is 1.32-1.44 m. In addition, the child also exhibited chest pain. The doctor diagnosed the child with precocious puberty.

According to family members, the child had shown signs of increasing breast size for a long time, but they thought it was due to obesity and therefore did not take her to the doctor.

After treatment with medication, the baby's hormone levels remained stable.

A doctor examines a child with precocious puberty. Photo: Provided by the hospital. — A doctor examines a child with precocious puberty. Photo: *Provided by the hospital.*

Recently, Quang Ninh Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital has examined and treated over 30 children with precocious puberty. This 9-year-old patient is the most exceptionally developed case, with the specific cause yet to be determined.

Precocious puberty in children can be caused by genetic factors, sex-related factors, and racial factors. Other causes include tumors in the ovaries, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, or brain, as well as central nervous system problems, hormonal disorders, and brain injuries. Childhood obesity before adolescence can accelerate the conversion of androgen hormones into estrogen, leading to precocious puberty.

The most obvious signs are exceptional height growth. In females, other signs include breast development, genital growth, body odor, and voice development.

Early puberty prevents children from developing optimally in terms of height and physical health, affecting their psychological and emotional well-being. The difference in physical appearance compared to their peers can cause children to feel insecure and withdrawn. Some studies show that many adults who experienced early puberty in the past are more likely to have psychological problems such as mental disorders and depression. Parents and caregivers may also become confused and anxious due to their child's abnormality.

Although their bodies are developing and growing, their minds are still immature; they lack the awareness of abusive behavior and the ability to protect themselves, making children who experience early puberty more vulnerable to sexual abuse.

Currently, the primary treatment for precocious puberty in children is hormone injections to slow down growth rate, puberty, and secondary sexual development, allowing them to still achieve their final height according to their parents' genetics. Psychological and physiological stress is also reduced, helping children develop appropriately for their age.

To prevent precocious puberty, parents need to establish a healthy and balanced lifestyle and diet for their children. A balanced diet includes all food groups to promote healthy development. Choose fresh, non-GMO foods, and limit canned goods, fast food, and foods high in fat, oil, and sugar. Avoid foods containing growth hormones.

Thuy Quynh

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