Signs of Puberty

Rates of Growth in Children

Usually, boys experience puberty a little older than in girls. This is why girls are often taller than boys are during puberty and why girls sometimes feel uncomfortable about their bodies during puberty. Growing children of the same age may develop at different rates, and even large differences may be completely normal. If you have concerns about your child’s growth and development, talk with your doctor or health care professional.

The following charts show the ages at which certain signs of puberty happen in boys and girls. The ages shown are ranges. Please talk to your doctor for information about your child.

GIRLS   BOYS
Characteristics Age of First Appearance
Breast development 8 – 13
Pubic hair 8 – 14
Pubertal growth spurt 9½ – 14½
First period 10 – 16½
Underarm hair About 2 years after pubic hair
Oil- and sweat-producing glands (and onset of acne) Coincides with underarm hair growth
 
Characteristics Age of First Appearance
Growth of testicles and scrotum 10 – 13½
Pubic hair 10 – 15
Pubertal growth spurt 10½ – 16
Growth of penis 11 – 14½
Voice change Coincides with
penis growth
Facial and underarm hair About 2 years after pubic hair appears
Oil- and sweat-producing glands (and onset of acne) Coincides with underarm hair growth

 

Please click here for Important Safety Information you should know about LUPRON DEPOT‑PED and discuss it with your doctor.

Please click here to see the full Prescribing Information.
boy holding scooter

All photos are of models and not of users of Lupron Depot‑PED or persons suffering symptoms described.


Use and Important Safety Information You Should Know About Lupron Depot‑PED® (leuprolide acetate for depot suspension)

Use

LUPRON DEPOT‑PED® (leuprolide acetate for depot suspension) 7.5 mg, 11.25 mg and 15 mg are prescribed for the treatment of children with central precocious puberty (CPP). Doctors may diagnose children with CPP when signs of sexual maturity begin to develop in girls under the age of 8 or boys under the age of 9. Doctors will also perform tests to rule out possible causes of CPP that would require different treatment (e.g., tumors).

Important Safety Information

Your child should not receive LUPRON DEPOT‑PED if he/she has experienced any type of allergic reaction to LUPRON DEPOT, or similar drugs.

Females who may be pregnant, are breast-feeding, or have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding should not receive LUPRON DEPOT‑PED.

After starting LUPRON DEPOT‑PED therapy, your child may experience increased signs and symptoms of CPP during the first few weeks of treatment.

You should notify the doctor if your child has menstrual bleeding that continues beyond the second month of treatment, has irritation at the injection site, develops mood swings or behavioral changes, or has any other unusual signs or symptoms.

It is important that you keep your child’s doctor appointments. If your child misses a shot or is a week late, your child’s pubertal development could begin again.

Response to LUPRON DEPOT‑PED should be monitored 1-2 months after the start of therapy to determine if your child’s current dose is at the right level. You should know that your doctor should also be measuring your child’s bone age every 6-12 months.

Studies have not been completed in children to determine the full reversibility of fertility suppression.

The most common side effects of LUPRON DEPOT‑PED include injection site reactions including abscess, general pain, acne, rash and vaginitis/vaginal bleeding or discharge.

LUPRON DEPOT‑PED must be administered under the supervision of a physician.

This is the most important information to know about LUPRON DEPOT‑PED. For more information, talk with your child’s health care provider.

Reference: LUPRON DEPOT‑PED [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: Abbott Laboratories.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for Lupron Depot‑PED.

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