Zimpapers Logo

Fungai Lupande-Mash Central Bureau 

A medical expert has explained menstruating at nine months, a condition experienced by an 8-year-old Bindura girl who is now six-months pregnant, as more common in girls than boys and treatable. 

Paediatrician and Endocrinology Dr Prisca Matyanga-Mureriwa said precocious puberty is when a baby’s body starts changing into an adult too soon and the condition can be treated.

The doctor said the condition can be managed medically if presented early and the treatment has proved to delay the onset of puberty without affecting fertility later in life. 

This comes after the minor who is now pregnant after being sexually abused by two teenage brothers, started menstrual cycles at nine months while still in diapers and learning to walk.

Dr Matyanga-Mureriwa said this condition is more  prevalent in girls compared to boys and is diagnosed when it happens before the age of eight for girls and before nine years for boys. Cases of precocious puberty are prevalent in our country but most children experience symptoms around 5-6yrs making the nine months case rare, but possible.

She added that precocious puberty results in changes in body shape and size and growth of bones. “The condition is easier to see in girls because they start developing pubic hair, breast budding, body odour, and growth spurt,” she said. 

“In boys’ precocious puberty is difficult to see because they get the lengthening of genitals, which is not easily picked. They also have deepening of voice, pubic hair, and acne. 

“The condition result when the brain activates itself into puberty sometimes for unknown reasons. There have been links with some estrogen and testosterone creams, lotions, shampoos, and ointments.”

Dr Matyanga-Mureriwa said research has revealed that there is increased estrogen in some beauty lotions.

Precocious puberty can be caused by masses or tumours in the brain, abdomen, or ovaries which secrete excess sex hormones, she added.

“There are other genetic conditions associated with this condition including the McCune-Albright syndrome which also affects skin colour and the bones. There is also congenital adrenal hyperplasia associated with abnormal hormone production.”

Other hormonal issues include malfunctioning thyroid result in precocious puberty.

“Precocious puberty is noted more in girls and children who are obese and also in Africans and African-Americans,” she said.

This condition comes with complications and the major one is social and emotional trauma, said the doctor.

“When a child goes through puberty before their time, they don’t understand what is going on. It results in low self-esteem, depression and they become more self-conscious,” she said.

“Children with this condition have stunted growth and their height is limited. This is because these hormones stimulate early bone growth and early bone fusion. No further growth happens.”

Untreated early puberty may cause menstrual problems and long-term risk of early menopause, said the doctor. She added that some studies point to a higher risk of breast cancer and heart disease, in people who had precocious puberty.

“We encourage parents whose children show signs of early puberty to seek medical attention as soon as possible. They will be referred to centres capable of handling the condition,” she said.

“Blood tests and scans are run to check for the tumours. X-rays will also be done to check for bone growth, which will be at an advanced stage in children with the condition. “There is a treatment to delay the onset of puberty and it’s important to seek medical attention early. It is proven that the treatment works and does not affect fertility later in life.”