Precocious Puberty
Breast lumps in children, early puberty - Examination and treatment for precocious puberty.
When do you suspect?
If a girl shows signs of puberty such as breast development or lumps before the age of 8, or if a boy experiences an increase in testicular size before the age of 9, precocious puberty should be suspected.
- Many parents are concerned because puberty is generally occurring earlier in children these days, but not all early developments require treatment.
- Diagnosis is made by pediatric endocrinologists through examination of growth records, bone age (hand X-ray), and hormone tests.
- In rare cases, other underlying causes (such as the brain or ovaries) may be present, so thorough examinations are necessary, especially if puberty occurs very early or progresses rapidly.
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-13
Why and how is treatment performed?
The treatment goals are twofold: to ensure the child reaches their full height potential and to allow them to experience puberty at an age when their body can handle the changes.
- The treatment involves injections that delay the progression of puberty (administered every 4 or 12 weeks), and health insurance may apply if certain criteria are met.
- If the treatment is stopped, puberty will resume its normal course.
- Since obesity is related to early puberty, weight management is also recommended. This is a different treatment from "growth hormone injections."
Frequently asked questions
If you feel a lump in your breast, does that automatically mean it's precocious puberty?
No, there are cases where they appear and disappear temporarily. However, instead of relying on your own judgment to monitor them, it's a good idea to have a medical check-up once to confirm things like bone age, as this will provide a baseline for comparing any potential progression.
Should I not give them soybeans or soy milk?
There is no evidence that consuming typical amounts of soy products causes precocious puberty. Instead, managing weight gain (obesity) and ensuring adequate sleep are more important.
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 (as of 2026-08-13)Last checked: 2026년 8월 13일
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