Let’s face it - no one’s expecting their 7-year-old to ask for deodorant or get emotional over a spot. When puberty comes early, it can feel like childhood got cut short - and that can be hard to navigate.
Whether you're a parent, carer or teacher, it's normal to feel out of your depth. That’s why we’ve called in expert GP Dr Deborah Lee to explain exactly what early puberty is, how to recognise it, and what to do next.
What is early puberty - and what does it actually look like?
We’ve all heard of puberty, but “precocious puberty” sounds a bit scarier. Don’t worry - Dr Lee is here to explain it clearly, starting with what counts as early and what’s going on behind the scenes in the body.
"Girls go through puberty usually around age 11. However, it is normal for some girls to go through puberty as early as age 8 – although this may come as a shock to some parents. Black and Hispanic girls may go through puberty as young as 7 and a half.
“Puberty is a time when the body undergoes not just physical changes, but emotional and psychological changes too. This is because the hypothalamus in the brain starts to produce Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH). The brain and the ovaries are connected by what is called the hypothalamo pituitary ovarian (HPO) axis.
“GnRH leads to the production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH). FSH and LH are transported round the body in the bloodstream, and stimulate the ovary. FSH causes development and maturation of ovarian follicles, causing eggs to ripen. LH causes the egg sac to rupture and release the egg into the Fallopian tube.
“In fact, there are five stages of puberty:
Stage 1 - No external signs but the ovaries and adrenal glands are enlarging.
Stage 2 - Breast budding and pigmentation of the areola (the area round the nipple)
Pubic hair starts to grow
A growth spurt occurs in height
Clitoris enlarges
Uterus (womb) enlarges
They may develop body odour
Stage 3 - Breasts continue growing
Underarm hair starts growing
Growth spurt continues
They may develop acne
Stage 4 - Breasts continue growing
Pubic hair thickens
Growth spurt continues
Acne may occur
Periods may start. These typically occur 2–3 years after pubic hair starts to grow.
Stage 5 - Girls reach adulthood.
Full breast development, pubic and axillary hair, and menstruate
Most reach their full height around the age of 16, but some may continue growing until around age 20. When a girl goes though precocious puberty, she may start menstruating without going through all these stages in the right order.”
And what about how common it actually is?
"American statistics show the incidence of precocious puberty is between 1 in 5000 - 1 in 10,000 females. It is 15 - 20 times more common in girls than boys. Over the last century there has been a trend for puberty to occur at an earlier age. As a GP has around 2,500 patients - of all ages - on their list - seeing a child with precocious puberty will be fairly uncommon."
What should adults watch out for?
Changes can creep up slowly or arrive all at once. Either way, knowing what to look for helps you spot the signs early - especially in girls under 8.
Dr Lee lists the key indicators:
"In girls, parents and teachers should look out for the following symptoms or signs in any female under the age of 8 - 9 years.
- Early breast development
- Pubic and axillary hair
- Vaginal discharge
- Acne
- Greasy hair
- Moodiness/irritability
- Emotional lability/tearfulness
- A growth spurt
- Monthly abdominal cramps/pains
- Periods - which may be irregular, heavy and painful"
What causes early menstruation - and when should you call the doctor?
Not all early puberty has a clear cause - but some cases might need medical attention. Dr Lee breaks down the two types of precocious puberty and when to seek help.
"There are two types of precocious puberty:
Central - This results from premature activation of the HPO axis. There is often no known reason why this has happened, but it could be due to a rare things such as brain tumour, an infection, or a genetic mutation. Lifestyle factors such as obesity can play a part.
Peripheral - This is due to an excess of steroid hormones being produced from the ovaries, the adrenal glands or from taking steroid hormones. Rare medical conditions such as Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, McCune-Albright Syndrome and ovarian tumours can all bring on early puberty due to the production of excess steroid hormones. Severe hypothyroidism may also be a cause.
90 - 95% of cases are idiopathic - meaning the cause is unknown."
How to talk to a child about early puberty (without freaking them out)
If a young child gets their period, the conversation you have can shape how they feel about their body for years. Dr Lee explains how to approach it with empathy and honesty.
“It’s not just the child that needs help. Parents will feel helpless and confused themselves if they think their child is going though precocious puberty.
“If you notice any of the changes above in a child aged under 8, take them to see their GP. The NHS recommends any girl with secondary sex characteristics under the age of 8, should be referred to a Paediatrician.”
Here are the red flags Dr Lee says to watch for:
"Red flags for referral include:
- Clitoromegaly (before age 8)
- Menarche (before age 8)
- Breast development (before age 8
- Rapid growth spurt
- "The presence of other symptoms such as:
Excessive thirst, and frequent urination - as there may be a link with diabetes - Headaches and visual disturbance
- Pubic hair in infancy
- Café au lait patches (distinctive coffee coloured patches of skin)"
Her advice on how to have “the puberty talk”:
"In general, it’s a good idea for parents to broach the subject of puberty with their child between the ages 8 - 12. They will be noticing changes in their bodies and may well be feeling confused or worried.
The key thing is to use simple language. But don’t be afraid of using the right terminology when needed. Even at a young age, children need to learn to use the right words - such as penis and vagina. Don’t try to tell it all at once - take a layering approach - tell her a little at a time.
You might like to start the chat following on from something in the family, like a relative or neighbour having a baby, or perhaps a pregnancy on the TV. Funnily enough, the car can be a good place for these types of discussion.
Be open and listen. Never make fun of your child or of any questions or terminology they use. Encourage them to express their concerns and take what they say seriously You might like to use books or videos. A good option is Busy Bodies – an HSE booklet you can find online. This refers to the ovaries, vulva, clitoris etc ... all with their proper names."
Practical tips that can make a big difference
Beyond the chat, Dr Lee shares how to prepare your child with confidence - from period products to school support.
"On a practical note, you can be proactive and take your daughter for her first bra fitting appointment. Also, make sure she has sanitary products in the home and at school if she needs them. Have paracetamol and ibuprofen available and a hot water bottle, in advance, in case she has period pain.
“You should give some thought to what your daughter will say to her friends. This is a very personal matter and will vary. Other children tend to be curious. If your daughter is attending the hospital, you can say she is having hormone tests. She is likely to be taller than her classmates and to look older than she is, which can be problematic.
“If your child is having emotional or mental health issues while she is going through early puberty, she may need to have counselling or see a child psychiatrist. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be very effective."
Are there risks or emotional side effects with early puberty?
Yes - and they’re real. Dr Lee shares what to be aware of so adults can step in early with support.
"Early puberty causes problems for both boys and girls. Children and young people have a strong desire to fit in with their peer group. Early puberty causes stress, distress and mental anguish.
In girls, precocious puberty is linked to eating disorders, substance abuse, behavioural disorders and depression. It can also lead to bullying and sexual harassment.
“Parents and teachers need to be aware of this and have the skills/tools in place to deal with it. Every school should have an anti-bullying policy. Parents can ask for a copy of the policy, and check this is being correctly implemented."
What helps young girls feel safe and confident?
Dr Lee’s final word? Normalise it. Prepare them. And let them know their body is not just “OK” - it’s incredible.
"Young girls need to know that puberty and periods are perfectly normal and will happen to all her friends at some point – hers have just come early. The female body - including hers - is a beautiful thing. As a girls grows, it’s normal to develop bumps and curves - it's part of growing up.
“As a mum, you might like to share the story of how your own periods started. You need to normalise periods, so they are not scary or a taboo subject.
“As already mentioned, being proactive and having sanitary products, and simple pain relief at home for use when needed is helpful. If your daughter is young, it’s a good idea to inform the class teacher, so she has help and understanding, when needed.”
Final thoughts
When puberty comes early, it can feel like you’re navigating a secret world no one else prepared you for. But with voices like Dr Lee’s - and support from parents, teachers and period-positive brands like us - no one has to face it alone.
Whether you’re eight or eighteen, your body deserves respect, support, and care. And yes - that includes your period, whenever it decides to arrive.
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