Urgent Is It Normal for a Toddler to Experience Early Puberty?

[cwinter474]

My friend and her husband took their granddaughter on vaction to Branson. They stopped at one of the ride thru cavern places on the way home. Shelly, the granddaughter started complaining about her tummy hurting, kept saying "Grandma my tummy hurts" this went on all thru the ride. When they got thru she gave her some Motrin and down the road they went. They stopped at a convenience store to potty and get snacks. Shelly and Grandma went to the bathroom and into separate stalls. Shelly, very calmly, said "Grandma, I'm bleedin" Well, this got Grandma's attention, but she thought that maybe she just didn't get her bottom clean and there was a stain in her panties. She went into Shelly's stall and sure enough there was blood all in her panties, just like the start of a menstral cycle.

Shelly is 3, yes, 3 years old.

Grandma, who is only 42 by the way, just happened to have a panty liner in her purse and explained to Shelly that it was ok, that this liner was just like a bandaid and was to catch the blood. She said Shelly was very calm, took it all in stride. Grandma was a basket case, but trying not to freak out in front of Shelly. Shelly was just very concerned that she needed to tell Grandpa that she was bleedin. Grandma told Shelly to wait until they got into the car.

So, Grandma tells Grandpa that they need to stop at a hotel because they really needed to clean up Shelly, who then announces that she is bleeding. Grandpa gets upset and asked what the heck is she talking about and why is she bleeding, while staring at Grandma, who says I think she started having a period. Grandpa is speechless and drives to the first hotel they see.

They get a room, Grandma starts to get a bath ready for Shelly. Now Grandma has Shelly off and on all the time, so she gives her a bath quite a bit, but since Shelly is 3, she doesn't help to wash down where the little girl parts are, but she knew she needed to make sure that she got clean and to be sure that there was no cuts or whatever and really starts to help Shelly wash and get cleaned up. She finds that Shelly has developed hair. Not alot but enough like a girl would at the start of development. Then as Grandma is helping Shelly get dried off Shelly tells Grandma not to dry her bumpies (breast) cause they are sore.

While doing this Grandpa has gone shopping for supplies that he never dreamed he would be buying.

Sometime during all of this Grandma has called Mommy, who is in Oklahoma 5+ hours away and in a state of shock, disbief and shear panic, Mommy calls their pediatrician and calls them back. He says that they need to go to the ER just to be safe. Well, Shelly is on medicaid and it is not good out of state so they drive in, pick up Mommy and go to the ER.

An additional 3 hours later, the doctor in ER did a basic exam, said that this was way out of his league and compfort zone and that they should follow up with the pediatrician and most likely a specialist. They did do a urine test and they found a very, very small admount of blood in the urine, which is not that unlikly for a women on her cycle. The only other place that Shelly was tender to the touch was on her abdomen about ovary and uterus area. He told them to keep all of the pads, and to treat her with Motrin and Tylenol.

Have you ever heard of anything like this???????

Any advice, comments and prayers are welcome

Thanks

Carol

 

[raebates]

No, but I'll be praying.

 

[ChefLoriG]

hate to compare it to a tv show, but I saw an episode on this same thing on House, the father was using some mega testosterone cream to help keep things "elevated". The kids were absorbing the cream through hugs, etc.

 

[dkitten13]

Wow, how traumatic...I pray all will be alright.

 

[Crystal Patton]

3?!?! I haven't ever heard of this, but may the Lord in all his Grace embrace this family!

 

[nikked]

It's called "precocious puberty", and at that early of age, there are hormone's they will give to stop it. They will do an x-ray of her hands to check for growth (somehow, this is an indication...something about the growth plates), and a LOT of blood work. Depending on what that shows, they may also look at one of the glands (pituitary, I think) to make sure there isn't a growth there.

My now eight year old started developing hair the summer she was six in places a six year old shouldn't! But for her, it was just hair and hasn't progressed further. But we did all the testing to make sure.

The little girl should be referred to a pediatric endocrinologist. They'll know exactly what to do...but, if the primary pediatrician will order the blood work and xrays before her appointment with the endo, it will save a HUGE amount of time.

They can stop it, and it does happen. Unless there is a growth someone on her glands that's causing it, it's a pretty easy fix. I don't know much about the growth on glands factor, because we didn't have to go there.

We will be praying for this precious little girl. Feel free to pass on my contact info if they want to chat...

Nicole

 

[cwinter474]

Thanks to all of you!

Nicole, I will be passing on your information and contacts.

I spoke to Grandma this morning. Flow has almost quit. Thank the Lord.

Have been searching on the web, with Nicole's info I at least know what to look for now. The only thing I could find was info linking early puberty to the human growth hormone that they give to cows to make them produce more milk. I know Shelly drinks ALOT of milk, alot like maybe a half gallon a day. She didn't do well on formula so they started her on milk really early also.

Thanks again!

Carol

 

[pcsharon1]

The little girl should be referred to a pediatric endocrinologist.
Nicole

I was going to say the same thing. Didn't know the name of it but I had heard of it before. Not this early of an age though.

But........the main thing is that it is probably going to be a hormone problem. Most people don't realize what a high impact our hormones have on us until something is out of whack.

I'll be praying for this little girl and her family.

 

[PCMomto4]

Wow that is a lot of milk for a three year old to be drinking, really a lot more than what she should be having. That could be the link between the two.

 

[cewcooks]

Prayers to the little girl and her family...

 

[ChefJoyJ]

The only thing I could find was info linking early puberty to the human growth hormone that they give to cows to make them produce more milk. I know Shelly drinks ALOT of milk, alot like maybe a half gallon a day. She didn't do well on formula so they started her on milk really early also.

A half gallon a day??? That is a crazy amount of milk. They recommend *no more* than 16 oz/day, and most nutrition guides say that the 2 cups can come from other sources. "One cup equals: 1 cup of milk or yogurt, 1½ ounces of natural cheese, or 2 ounces of processed cheese." If they drink too much milk, they aren't hungry enough to eat the right foods and aren't able to take in the proper nuturients. And it's low in iron and can inhibit the absorption of iron.

I had also heard about the HGH in milk leading to early puberty, which more and more studies are beginning to substantiate. That's the reason my husband and I are willing to pay $2.90/half gallon to buy my 2 year old organic milk to drink. We are willing to pay more if it's better for her health. My husband and I, of course, still drink HGH fortified milk.

Your friend's little girl is in my thoughts and prayers. They need to get her to her ped. ASAP and get the ball rolling so she can see the endocrinologist. HGH milk or not, her body is too young to be hitting puberty!

Please keep us posted on how she's doing!

 

[cwinter474]

I know that they as of today have cut her milk, dairy intake way down. Most likely to late, but at least they have done that.

She eats a very well balanced diet, other than the dairy. She loves her fruits and vegies and rarely eats candy. Not a beef fan, but she eats chicken and pork as well.

Her doctor did call today to check on her, which shocked us all. They go in at 8am tomorrow morning.

Will update post tomorrow.

Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts!

Carol

 

[cwinter474]

Talked with them this morning, she went to the Pediatrition this morning, talked about everything. Is sending her to a endocrinologist this afternoon. She is getting lab work and x-rays to take to the endocrinologist.

update to follow

 

[Crystal Patton]

Thanks for keeping us posted!!!

 

[cwinter474]

The endocrinologist is already sending them for a MRI just to be safe. Should know more infor by weeks end.

Thanks so much for the concern and prayers.

 

[WLMcCoy]

I use organic milk & meat primarily to keep my daughter away from Human Growth Hormones. I have heard they can cause early menstrual cycles.

How scary! Saying prayers for the little girl & family!

 

[ChefJoyJ]

Thanks for the update!! I'm so glad her ped. is taking it seriously and has referred her to an endocrinologist. Hopefully they can find out the reason for this and fix it...

 

[tmseiling]

My prayers to the family

 

[cwinter474]

I have to share this with you.

Last night, Shelly's mom was helping her put on a panty liner. Mom by the way is having a hard time with this, she is blaming herself, why? who knows. But anyway, She is talking to Shelly telling her that she is sorry they have to keep changing the liner because of the flow and the fact that the liners aren't sized for little girls. Shelly put her hand on Mom's shoulder, looked her straight in the eye and said "Mommy, it's ok, I just have my period"

It is really incredible how well Shelly is handling it all. I think alot of that is because Grandma and Grandpa didn't outwardly freak out and that her Mom never hid her cycles from Shelly. When she and mommy were in the bathroom during that time, if Shelly asked questions, mommy answered them. This, her mommy being so open with her, I think was a blessing.

Oh, and when they were at the ped's office. He is a young doctor with a daughter her age and one younger. So he can really relate to how everyone is feeling. Anyway he spent over an hour with them, talking and looking up information for them and him as well. Then just before they left, he asked if it would be ok if they prayed together for her. WOW, that is unheard of these days.

 

[ChefJoyJ]

Then just before they left, he asked if it would be ok if they prayed together for her.

What a blessing it is for them to have a ped. that cares so much for their family and one that will pray with them. I am praying they find the cause and solution and that Shelly will be okay...

 

[chefcharity]

This whole thread brings tears to my eyes and goosbumps on my arms. Shelly is in my thoughts and prayers. What a brave little girl.

 

[diradt]

I have to share this with you.

Last night, Shelly's mom was helping her put on a panty liner. Mom by the way is having a hard time with this, she is blaming herself, why? who knows. But anyway, She is talking to Shelly telling her that she is sorry they have to keep changing the liner because of the flow and the fact that the liners aren't sized for little girls. Shelly put her hand on Mom's shoulder, looked her straight in the eye and said "Mommy, it's ok, I just have my period"

It is really incredible how well Shelly is handling it all. I think alot of that is because Grandma and Grandpa didn't outwardly freak out and that her Mom never hid her cycles from Shelly. When she and mommy were in the bathroom during that time, if Shelly asked questions, mommy answered them. This, her mommy being so open with her, I think was a blessing.

Oh, and when they were at the ped's office. He is a young doctor with a daughter her age and one younger. So he can really relate to how everyone is feeling. Anyway he spent over an hour with them, talking and looking up information for them and him as well. Then just before they left, he asked if it would be ok if they prayed together for her. WOW, that is unheard of these days.

What an amazing blessing that their Dr felt moved to pray with them. It can be hard to bridge that gap sometimes but good for him. And this is by no means her mother's fault...even if it is because of milk. She obviously is a good mommy and she should know that based on how well her daughter is dealing with that. Many prayers!

 

[cwinter474]

Update, They got part of the lab work back today. All is normal. Still outstanding is somesort of extended estrogen test. But the homone levels that have come back so far are with in normal ranges for her age. Good News? Yes and No, Yes because they are normal. No, because we still don't know what is going on and the more testing that they do the more worried and concerned everyone is becoming because they are worried that it may really be something serious.

Keep those prayers coming ladies! (and gents)

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Update, They got part of the lab work back today. All is normal. Still outstanding is somesort of extended estrogen test. But the homone levels that have come back so far are with in normal ranges for her age. Good News? Yes and No, Yes because they are normal. No, because we still don't know what is going on and the more testing that they do the more worried and concerned everyone is becoming because they are worried that it may really be something serious.

Keep those prayers coming ladies! (and gents)

Wow - will keep praying. How frightening for the family!

 

[Crystal Patton]

Still praying!!!

 

[niclowther]

I had a hormone problem when I was little. I too started devopling too early. They did however get it under control (dont know who, have to ask my momma). And then I did not get my period till almost 16. I have hormone issues now. I never really made the connection until now- this post reminded me. Nicole have you heard of any problems your daughter might have down the road or might my issues just be a coincidence?

Thanks for sharing this difficult story, but as you can see it is not unheard off.

 

[cwinter474]

Her mother, has brought this up already, if we start hitting her with harmones now, what are the repercussions going to be if not only to Shelly but to her children?

This has truely made all of us involved take a hard look at the food we by and put into our bodies and theirs.

Well, update later this afternoon.

Thanks for all the words of compfort.

 

[nikked]

I had a hormone problem when I was little. I too started devopling too early. They did however get it under control (dont know who, have to ask my momma). And then I did not get my period till almost 16. I have hormone issues now. I never really made the connection until now- this post reminded me. Nicole have you heard of any problems your daughter might have down the road or might my issues just be a coincidence?

Thanks for sharing this difficult story, but as you can see it is not unheard off.

Hi. For my daughter, because all tests came back normal (including her hand x-ray), and it "stopped" at the hair growth, she didn't have to go on meds to stop it.

I know from my research that the earlier you start your menstral cycle, the earlier you will go through menopause. And I read also about long-term implications from taking the drugs to stop the percoscious puberty, but I can't remember what. This happned when we had a different computer, so I don't have the sites that I visited saved anymore.

I would go see an endo doc with as much information as you have from your history and have it checked out. Maybe see if you can find an endo who has worked with female hormone issues?

The most shocking thing to me is now they consider 8 years old the cutoff for diagnosing percoscious (I know I'm spelling that wrong...sorry!) pubery. After 8, it's just that they growing up a little bit quicker!

And, for little Shelley, here's a link to the Mayo Clinic with information...I always find their site to be very accurate... Precocious puberty - MayoClinic.com

And another support site... http://www.magicfoundation.org/www/docs/146/

This is the site that interested me the most as a possible cause...
http://www.caresfoundation.org/productcart/pc/ncah_late_onset_cah.html

I know that's not a lot of information, but I hope it helps anyways!

 

[Crystal Patton]

8?!?! Excuse me!? THAT is a little young, the poor thing would hit medopause in her 40's!! All the info is great! I don't have daughters, but I do have a Goddaughter and it never hurts to be prepared. (yes, I was a Girl Scout. LOL)

 

[niclowther]

And, for little Shelley, here's a link to the Mayo Clinic with information...I always find their site to be very accurate... Precocious puberty - MayoClinic.com

And another support site... http://www.magicfoundation.org/www/docs/146/

This is the site that interested me the most as a possible cause...
http://www.caresfoundation.org/productcart/pc/ncah_late_onset_cah.html

I know that's not a lot of information, but I hope it helps anyways!

Thanks for all the info!

 

[cwinter474]

Good News!

All the lab work is back. Her estrogen level is way to high (from milk? we are guessing). They are still going to do the ultrasound in the morning and the MRI on Friday. Just to be sure, ya know better safe than sorry.

Her ped is going to let the endo on the 12th.

I will keep you informed.

THANKS so much for all the prayers, words and links of wisdom. You all are the greatest!

Carol

 

[Crystal Patton]

I'm so glad something came up that looked bad. Wait ... that didn't sound right!
I MEAN that now you have something to go on.

Is it feasible to pray with your foot in your mouth?

 

[cwinter474]

Is it feasible to pray with your foot in your mouth?

I hope so! I do it alot it seems.



I know what you meant, we were so relieved that there was something in the lab work. Makes us feel so much better about the remaining test. They SHOULD come back clean. we hope

 

[cwinter474]

Nikked, thanks to much for the links!!! Tons of information there

 

[lockhartkitchen]

You're in our prayers still. It's unbelievable having to deal with something like this at such a young age.

 

[Crystal Patton]

I hope so! I do it alot it seems.

My Mother has a saying om her kitchen wall - I need one too:

Lord put your arm across my shoulders and your hand across my mouth.

 

[lockhartkitchen]

Very nice Crystal. Some have asked me here how I've kept it together with things going on in my life. I've let the Lord put his arm around me, and I bite my tongue. Hee Hee.

 

[KellyTheChef]

I am just seeing this post and wanted to say
(1) Thank God she has a ped who isn't afraid to say "I don't know everything here" and then to say "let's pray about this" to the one and only Great Physician!
(2) Thank you, Lord, for the direction that the drs and tests have given them
and
(3) I will pray for this little one (and the family) anytime God brings her to my mind.
{{{HUGS}}}

 

[cwinter474]

Her MRI and x-rays are tomorrow at 7am. Prayers and good thoughts please. So far no more symptoms and we know the estrogen level is high, so we really are expecting nothing to be found. Dr appointment is Wednesday morning. Will update ASAP.

 

[legacypc46]

Wow, a friend and I were just talking today about how all the growth hormones given cows are thought to cause early puberty in kids (via the milk). I recently saw the documentary "Food, Inc" and Walmart (of all places) is committed to changing over to only milk brands without the growth hormones.

 

[cwinter474]

I am going to be searching for this documentary, do you happen to know what channel you saw it on?

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I am going to be searching for this documentary, do you happen to know what channel you saw it on?

It's actually in theaters right now.

 

[cwinter474]

I have never heard of this. I am doing some internet searching on this now. bye



nearest theater is 2hrs away. I am so going to be watching for it to come closer to OKC

thanks for the info

 

[momoftwins]

OMG! Shelly and family is in my thoughts and prayers. Glad that they found that the estrogen was high and now on to find out why and to get it lowered. Looking forward to hearing the results of the ultrasound and MRI.

 

[lockhartkitchen]

I recently saw the documentary "Food, Inc" and Walmart (of all places) is committed to chaning over to only milk to brands without the growth hormones.[/QUOTE]

For those that live in Oregon (I'm not sure if Roth's is elsewhere), but their milk contains no growth hormones. It's the same price as the others'.

 

[legacypc46]

I am going to be searching for this documentary, do you happen to know what channel you saw it on?

Below is the official website for the movie. You can view the trailers and link into other info (especially pertaining to the food served in schools). If the film is in your area, don't feel like you have to avoid it because of gory scenes. While there are a few disturbing references, they don't play for the shock effect. (Thank goodness...but it is enough that I've gone cold turkey on fast food meat....except for Chipotle; they use organic meats)

http://www.foodincmovie.com/

I also watched a couple interviews with the movie producers on you tube. I think I just searched by the movie's name, or maybe the producers names.

 

[cwinter474]

Update, Monday the 17th, they did bone growth x-rays and a MRI. X-rays were done problem free. The had in MRI for 2+hrs. I personally having a daughter with a brain cyspt who started having MRI's 19yrs ago, knows this took way to long. Prayers, extra prayers here, please.

Both Shelly's mother and grandmother were/are worried sick. Said watching them put her to sleep with the mask was one of the hardest thing that they had ever done. I completly agreed. If you have never experianced this, and I pray to God that you never do, for lack of another example, it is alot like watching them put your beloved pet down. Except for the fact you know your child is alive by hearing the heart beat monitor. Some kids scream and cry thru this, others like Shelly went down laughing. Which was a God send to her mom and grandma.

They go to the Dr Wednesday morning to get all of the test results and a plan of attack for whatever is wrong.

My heart weighs so heavy for her and her family.

 

[PampMomof3]

WOW! Somehow i missed this entire thread and opened my eyes! I'll be praying for shelly and her family.

I'm a mother of a 5 yr old daughter and I couldn't imagine going through this!

We have watched our 4 y.o son go thru MRI's, Cat Scans and all kinds of testing to find out if he had leukemia and that was the SCARIEST part of being a parent. He doesn't have it, he had a staph infection from the surgical center! UGH!

Praying in Florida!

 

[cwinter474]

Test are back. She does have Precocious Puberty.

MRI showed ovarian cyst.

X-rays and Bone Scans showed she has the skelton structure of a 5 1/2 yr old. She turns 4 on the 2nd of September.

Additional testing required. No treatment has begun, he wants to finish the testing first. Here 28 day cycle is due the 23rd, she is already complaining of her tummy hurting and breast hurting.

Dr has told us to remain calm and not to panic.

Not what we were wanting to hear. Keep prayers and good thoughts coming our way.

Thanks so much!

Carol

 

[esavvymom]

Glad you found out, but that poor little girl. I think we've been doing organic meat/dairy since our kids were born, and I'm so glad we did. Wow. It's sad really that the people oversee these farms and RAISE these animals ignore it and discount these problems- just for the almighty dollar!Praying for her family to get the answers they need for their future!