Premature Adolescent Breast Growth
Adolescence is a sensitive time for young women. Premature breast growth can cause embarrassment and isolation for many preteens. Fortunately, however, the problem is common and not usually a cause for medical concern.
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Normal Breast Growth
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Most girls' breasts have noticeably increased in size by the age of 13, according to Brooksidepress.org's online article, "Adolescent Breast Problems." However, it is also normal for development to begin as early as age 8.
Abnormal Breast Growth: Diagnosis
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Accelerated breast development, also called premature thelarche, is diagnosed if breast growth begins before the age of 8. However, premature thelarche is most commonly diagnosed if breast development begins between birth and the age of 6, according to Pediatricweb.com.
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Causes
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Most breast growth problems are related to the amount of estrogen produced by the body, as well as the reaction of breast tissue to estrogen production. Early development usually simply signals heightened sensitivity, as noted at Wdxcyber.com's online article on "Virginal Hypertrophy" (another name for early and excessive breast development).
Treatments
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There is no treatment for premature breast growth, and usually it is not serious. Sometimes hormone shots are administered to slow puberty if other symptoms are observed. Surgery should not be attempted until six years after the first breast bud appears.
Support
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Adolescents who experience premature breast growth should be monitored by parents for any other signs of irregular growth patterns. Parents should also be emotionally supportive of their child. As noted at center4research.org, parents should keep an eye out for signs of depression or isolation.
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