What causes early pubic hair in girls?

Author: Mr. Wilmer O'Keefe  |  Last update: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Premature pubarche, or the development of pubic hair before the age of 8 in girls or 9 in boys, is most commonly caused by premature adrenarche. Adrenarche is the maturation of the adrenal zona reticularis in both boys and girls, resulting in the development of pubic hair, axillary hair, and adult apocrine body odor.

Why did I get pubic hair so early?

Adrenarche is the natural process in which your child's adrenal glands start producing a hormone called DHEA. This eventually leads to the development of armpit and pubic hair and body odor. Premature adrenarche happens when these signs develop in girls younger than 8 or boys younger than 9.

At what age is it normal for a girl to get pubic hair?

It's exactly true. The normal process of puberty, in a girl, we think, we used to think, started around the aged of 10, with a little bit of breast development. And around 6 months later, the girls would get a little bit of pubic hair, and around the age of 12 and 3/4 to 13 they'd get their first period. Ok.

Why does my 8 month old daughter have pubic hair?

Similarly, some girls and boys may have early growth of pubic and/or underarm hair or body odor that isn't related to other changes in sexual development. This is called premature adrenarche (ah-druh-NAR-kee). These kids may need to see their doctor to rule out "true" precocious puberty.

Do girls get pubic hair before starting their period?

It's exactly true. The normal process of puberty, in a girl, we think, we used to think, started around the aged of 10, with a little bit of breast development. And around 6 months later, the girls would get a little bit of pubic hair, and around the age of 12 and 3/4 to 13 they'd get their first period. Ok.

What Causes Precocious Puberty? – Dr. Berg

Can girls get pubic hair before breast buds?

About 10-15 percent of girls will develop pubic hair before the breasts begin to bud. The hair is sparse, straight and soft at first and then becomes darker, curlier and coarser as it fills in. About two years after the onset of puberty, hair begins to grow under the arms as well.

Are there signs before a girl gets her first period?

Most people get their periods between 11 and 14. Signs of menarche include light bleeding, cramping and mood swings. Menarche marks an important milestone during puberty when you're capable of becoming pregnant.

What foods cause early puberty in females?

Children with lower-nutrient diets tend to enter puberty earlier. A diet rich in processed foods and meats, dairy, and fast food is disruptive to normal physical development. Exposure to EDCs (endocrine-disrupting chemicals).

What triggers adrenarche?

It's not known what causes the adrenal gland to begin secreting androgens early. Since exposure to these hormones causes premature adrenarche, your child may also experience it if she comes in contact with hormone creams or other hormonal medications.

Why does my 7 year old have pubic hair already?

Premature pubarche, or the development of pubic hair before the age of 8 in girls or 9 in boys, is most commonly caused by premature adrenarche. Adrenarche is the maturation of the adrenal zona reticularis in both boys and girls, resulting in the development of pubic hair, axillary hair, and adult apocrine body odor.

At what age does a girl start ejaculating?

Results: Over a period of 18 months, 320 women from all over the world were included in the study (excluding women below the age of 18 years and double entries). The women's mean age was 34.1 years (±11.1) and their mean age at first ejaculation was 25.4 years. Most women ejaculate a few times a week.

Why are girls going through puberty so early?

Certain genes, chronic diseases, eating disorders, body weight, and excessive exercise can alter the timing of puberty. But the substantial shift in recent years could also be due to other factors. A study in Italy found an increase in new diagnoses of precocious puberty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What do breast buds look like?

Breast buds are small, disc-shaped lumps felt under the nipple and areola. Any lump found under the areola is a breast bud until proven otherwise. Breast symptoms in newborns are also covered. Other symptoms: breast lump, breast redness and nipple discharge.

Does pubic hair mean puberty has started?

Changes your daughter may notice that signify they are going through puberty include: Breast development (usually the first sign) Pubic and armpit hair growth. Menstruation (usually the last sign)

Do girls have a hormone surge at 7?

For girls, the stages of puberty start around the age of 8. This may sound young, but we are seeing physical puberty changes start younger and younger and depending on genetics, you may even start to see puberty changes at the age of 7.

How to delay puberty in a girl naturally?

Apart from the yoga practice, let your children play outside get running, swimming etc in their schedule. Lifestyle changes: Endocrine Disruptors are everywhere today. Pregnant women and those breastfeeding, can stay away from chemicals from shampoos creams and such products. Minimise screen time.

How early do girls get pubic hair?

Shortly afterward, pubic and underarm hair begin to grow. In girls, puberty usually begins between the ages of 8 years and 13 years (see Puberty in Girls).

Does early adrenarche mean early puberty?

Onset of adrenarche (pubic hair, axillary hair, skin changes, body odour) often occurs at a similar time to true puberty but can also be normal in the year or two prior to the onset of either breast development in girls or testicular enlargement in boys.

Why does my 6 year old's armpits smell so bad?

It's not actually uncommon for younger kids to have armpit smells. This smell is due to bacteria, sweat, and hormone changes. And as long as your child doesn't have any other signs of puberty, and they're under the age of eight, it's not a concern.

Can vitamin D delay puberty?

Conclusions. The reported data support the idea that vitamin D plays a key role as a regulator of neuroendocrine and ovarian physiology and that vitamin D deficiency contributes to altered pubertal timing.

How do I know if my 7 year old has adrenarche?

Symptoms of Premature Adrenarche

The most common premature adrenarche symptoms include: The presence of pubic or underarm hair in boys younger than nine years old or girls younger than eight years old. Strong underarm smells that require deodorants. Lack of breast development in girls or genital growth in boys.

How to stop early puberty in girls?

When treating children with central precocious puberty, we often use synthetic luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). This hormone appears to stop sexual maturation brought on by the disorder by stopping the pituitary gland from releasing gonadotropin.

How soon after pubic hair does the period start?

Growing pubic hair: Just after your breasts start to form, you'll probably start growing pubic hair. It will be soft and thin at first, but it'll get coarser over time. Your period usually arrives around one to two years after.

What triggers a girl's first period?

The first period typically occurs after a female first ovulates. This happens when the ovaries release an egg into the fallopian tube. When this happens, the womb lining thickens in preparation for the egg to be fertilized. If fertilization does not occur, the lining sheds, as the body no longer needs it.

Can a 10 year old use tampons?

There aren't any rules as to when girls are ready to use tampons. Some mothers worry that if their daughter uses a tampon that she will no longer be considered a virgin. This is a myth!

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