A
female
age
41-50,
anonymous
writes:When do boys start puberty? The reason i ask is because my 7 year old son has started getting pubic hair not under his arms! I thought this was a bit too young but anyone who can help would be much appreciated. Thankyou
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female
reader, willywombat +, writes (14 February 2007):
 Hi there.
This is known as precocious puberty and whilst uncommon is not unknown. It is something which can be 'partial', meaning one or two signs of sexual development can occur without the child going thru the full onset of puberty and all that it entails.
The main signs of puberty are a 'mature' body odour, the appearance of pubic and underarm hair growth (in boys facial hair), voice deepening (in boys), acne, a growth spurt, enlargement of the penis or testicles....
If the child has one symptom it is usally not much to worry about. But if you are worried i suggest you go see your GP. The main problem with this early onset puberty thing is the poor kidd having to deal with it all emotionally and psychologically. if his mates are going thru it at the same time then it is no problem, but when the first one starts it can be a little traumatic for them to stand alone.
As for the 'stunted growth thing', it is a fallacy. Also the thing about the steroidal inhaler....he is being supervised by an Practice nurse, you are doing everything right!!
Good luck and I don't envy you the mood swings to come!
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/medical/sexual/precocious.html
A
reader, anonymous, writes (14 February 2007): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questiondoctor reality check thank you. Personally i did think the asthma thing was a bit daft. Ill ask a doctor when i next go but im not taking my son for the simple fact he'd die of embarrassment! Its bad enough his mum checking his pubes! I will research this more aswell. Cheers all
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A
male
reader, Dr. Reality Check +, writes (14 February 2007):
 Some people are trying to scare you with this. I have had asthma since I was 4, and am now 22. I have had a seroid inhaler since then, and it is an above normal dosage. I am now 6 feet tall, and I have to say usually in a better mood than anyone else, lol, so I wouldnt worry about it at all. Having just looked it up on an internet site, it says that puberty can start anywhere from the age of seven. He's just an early bloomer. There's nothing to worry about. Relax.
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A
male
reader, Ponungalungb  +, writes (13 February 2007):
 Have you asked the nurse why he is sprouting pubic hairs at the age of seven? That's what I'd do.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (13 February 2007): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionhe has regular check ups with the asthma nurse and has reviews with the doctor. Its a pump that is given to 'prevent' and is a normal asthmatic prescription
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A
male
reader, Ponungalungb +, writes (13 February 2007):
I'm not a doctor, but I'd be concerned with the steroid inhaler.
Steroids can alter growth and mood.
I'd get an opinion from a specialist (not his current doctor) regarding your concerns. The dosage may need to be altered or the type of medication may need to be changed but don't do anything until your son is seen by a doctor that specializes in asthma in children.
Good luck!
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (13 February 2007): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionhe'll be 8 in april. He is normal height and weight for his age and has a good balanced diet. He is asthmatic and has had the brown steriod inhaler since he was 2. Its not fuzz all over there are two patches of long dark straight hair and saggyer testicles and bad mood swings. Does this help get me more answers please.
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A
male
reader, Ponungalungb +, writes (13 February 2007):
I'm not sure I follow this. He's "getting pubic hair NOT under his arms"?
7 is pretty young, but I guess it's possible. He doesn't take any growth hormones or any other drugs that may effect his advanced maturity does he?
My son is 7 and he has peach fuzz, but I wouldn't call them "pubes". If you're concerned, take him to the doctor and let them check him out. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about.
Good luck!
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A
female
reader, appygal81 +, writes (13 February 2007):
 Im not a doctor either, however i do know that early onset puberty can stunt their growth. He may not get taller than about 5'4. i just learned about this in my anatomy class. Its a hormonal issue. Go talk to a doctor about it. It can be slowed with hornmonal supplements, and when he is about 11 or so he can be taken off of them so he can mature properly. Like i said i am not a doctor, but this is what i just learned about last week. So take him to a dotor to get a proper prognosis
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (13 February 2007): Hiya, now I'm not a Doctor but as far as I know underarm hair is not acctually pubic hair, and I'm sure the other aunts will correct me if I'm wrong!.
But seriously, the pubic har can appear at any age really. I started to grow some Pubic hair when I was about 9, and I knew I was an early bloomer when my school friends noticed the hair when we went swimming.
Anyway if you are concerned about it I'm sure your doctor or your local family planning clinic could help you further with any questions. But it doesnt sound like hes started pubity just yet.
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