The maturation process is one of the dramatic processes characterizing childhood. During the process the child gradually turns into an adult, the body grows and changes in often extreme ways, and the gap between the sexes becomes more obvious.
It is the sexual hormones that "rule" this maturation process but it is also influenced, as is the entire growth process, by many other factors: genetic, environmental, nutritional and general health.
The average age for beginning maturation is 8 in girls and 9 in boys. Any appearance of sexual signs before that is defined as premature and needs appropriate examination and treatment.
In girls, the conclusion of the process is clearly evident with the appearance of her first period. The average age for this is 12.6. If the menses appear before the age of 10 it is considered premature and after 16 is late. Once the girl experiences her first period she has largely completed most of her growth.
In boys, there is no clear clinical end to the growth process and so there is sometimes a special need to check when the end of the process actually is.
Late sexual maturity is defined as the absence of any secondary sexual signs by the age of 13 in girls and 14 in boys.
Most cases of slightly premature or delayed maturity are normal and are due to family reasons. Larger discrepancies require treatment.
If you suspect a premature or delayed maturity in your child, please contact the Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic at Shaare Zedek.
Appointments: 02-6555999 or 02-6555307
There is a charge (or bring a guarantee from your Kupat Holim)