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Warning-sign checks

Precocious puberty: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for a seizure, loss of consciousness, sudden severe weakness or another sudden neurological symptom.

    These symptoms are not typical features of uncomplicated precocious puberty.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice for unexplained vaginal bleeding, particularly when there are no other signs of puberty, or for new breast or genital changes associated with pain or a lump.

    Seek urgent medical care if early puberty occurs with a severe or worsening headache, repeated vomiting, new vision changes, unusual thirst or urination, weakness, problems with balance, or a major change in behaviour.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if a girl develops breast tissue before age 8 or a boy has testicle or penis growth before age 9.

    An appointment is also appropriate for rapid growth, fast progression of pubertal changes, or menstruation at an unusually young age.

    It should still be discussed at a routine appointment, especially if it begins very early or progresses quickly.

The article also says

Pubic hair, acne or body odour without breast or testicle development is usually not an emergency.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Precocious puberty. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.