That mental health toll can include kids self-esteem.
Because of advanced physical and emotional changes, kids can struggle in other ways.
With a range of several years, starting puberty early can be a cause for concern.
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Studies show how critical thebrains developmentis during this time.It has a multifaceted impact.
Launching into puberty earlier than a child is physically and emotionally prepared for can have unintended consequences.
Research over the years has suggested that puberty does play an important role in overall mental health.
How puberty and the hormone changes that occur affect mental health is complex.
breast developments, genital changes, body hair, etc.
), Dr. Reese notes.
This can impact the teens' sense of self.
I can see how early puberty can impact an adolescents mental health in regard to emotional maturity.
There are some teens who physically mature faster but emotionally are their present age.
There are unrealistic expectations in regard to how they should respond to stressors or self-manage in stressful situations.
This can impact the teens' sense of self, she adds.
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can cause puberty to start early.
Physically changes that advance very fast can also be a signal that something is wrong.
Experts say informing children early, even before puberty starts, is beneficial.
What This Means For You
Puberty is an ever-changing, sometimes challenging time for a child.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.About puberty and precocious puberty.
Barendse MEA, Cheng TW, Pfeifer JH.Your brain on puberty.Front Young Minds.2020; 8(53).
doi:10.3389/frym.2020.00053
Arain M, Haque M, Johal L, et al.Maturation of the adolescent brain.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat.
2022:S1083-3188(22)00221-2. doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2022.05.005
