Sign of impending puberty?

Question

My 9.5 year old daughter has started complaining that her breasts are tender. The left one feels swollen or firm behind the nipple. Is this the sign that puberty may be starting? She's also increasingly moody (and that's an understatement! LOL)

Answer 1

The first sign of puberty in girls , which occurs at an average age of 10 1/2 years, is breast development (thelarche). This begins with breast budding, or the formation of small lumps or nodules under one or both nipples. These lumps may be tender and they may be different sizes at first. This is usually also the beginning of their growth spurt. Next, in about six months, pubic hair develops (adrenarche), although in some children, pubic hair is the first sign of puberty, and then axillary hair begins to grow. Over the next few years, breast size will continue to increase and there will be a progressive increase in development of pubic hair and the external genitalia, leading to the first period or menarche (occurring at an average age of 12 1/2 to 13 years), which usually occurs about two years after puberty begins and coincides with their peak in height velocity. Development continues and the whole process is completed in 3-4 years, eventually reaching adult breast and areolar size and an adult pattern of pubic hair. A child will have also reached her final adult height about two years after menarche.

http://pediatrics.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=pediatrics&cdn=health&tm=9&f=20&su=p284.21.140.ip_&tt=14&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.keepkidshealthy.com/adolescent/puberty.html
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/growth/growing/understanding_puberty.html
http://pediatrics.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=pediatrics&cdn=health&tm=11&f=20&su=p284.21.140.ip_&tt=14&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.iwannaknow.org/puberty/

Answer 2

Yes, the hormonal fluctuations from puberty can cause breast tenderness. However, the firm spot you felt makes me a little bit concerned. I'd suggest you take her to the doctor just to be on the safe side. She could have some kind of infection, especially since she's only got symptoms in the one breast. Probably worth a quick trip to the doc just to make sure it really IS just puberty.

The moodiness should go away by the time she's in her 30's. ;)

Good luck!

Answer 3

very possible. girls are developing younger these days. those are some of the signs. a little heat will help if the breast is sore. try to have her avoid caffeine and too much sugar. If you havent had the mother-daughter talk its time. if you need help take her to a female doctor that you both will feel more comfortable with. there are also some very good books available to help. good luck

Answer 4

from breast buds to menses is approx 2 yrs so it's most likely her breast budding is starting and yes would explain the mood swings.. i used to laugh at work when women talk about their daughters behavior changes and say my I could tell when my daughters were starting puberty as it seems to make there eyes and tongue attach as they would roll there eyes and say OMG mom you just don't understand.. and storm off to there room only to appear 30 min later like nothing had happened all lovey wanting to know when's dinner. and in my mind i would say how cute she must have ovulated.. Good luck get lots of rest and try to maintain a sense of humor.

Answer 5

Grow Taller For Idiots Program : http://GrowTallerSteps.com

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

I'm only 16, but I guess so. But believe me, she won't wanna hear that. At least I wouldn't. Just try and remember what it was like to be her age.

Answer 8

Mabe

Answer 9

yes

Answer 10

YES