As featured in Tien Phong Newspaper

Across Vietnam and globally, the incidence of early puberty among children has surged significantly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many families confused and concerned. This is no longer merely a case of “early blooming,” but a serious medical condition that requires early detection, timely intervention, and appropriate treatment.

Early Puberty Cases Double or Triple Post-COVID-19

According to a study led by Dr. Nguyen Nhat Nam, an Endocrinologist at Hanh Phuc International Hospital, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the rate of early puberty has increased by 2 to 3 times since the peak of the pandemic. This is a global trend, but children in Asia appear to be disproportionately affected.

While the exact cause remains under investigation, several contributing factors have been proposed, especially related to the prolonged lifestyle changes during lockdowns:

• Reduced physical activity, poor dietary habits, and rapid weight gain lead to increased body fat, which stimulates the production of hormones that trigger puberty.
• Increased screen time disrupts sleep and lowers melatonin levels—a hormone that naturally inhibits early puberty.
• The SARS-CoV-2 virus may affect the part of the brain responsible for smell, which also plays a role in puberty regulation.
• Psychological stress from isolation, online learning, and fear of illness can further accelerate puberty.
• Greater use of plastic containers and foam packaging during the pandemic may have increased children’s exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Early Puberty – A Hidden Threat to Children’s Future

1. What Is Early Puberty?

According to Dr. Nguyen Nhat Nam, early puberty is defined as the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys. Many parents mistakenly believe it’s a harmless sign of fast growth. However, early puberty is a serious medical issue that can have long-term impacts on a child’s physical and psychological health if not properly addressed.

“Early puberty is not simply growing up faster. Without timely intervention, it can result in irreversible effects on height, metabolic health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. It’s a serious medical concern that must be taken seriously,” said Dr. Nam.

2. How to Recognize Early Puberty?

In girls, the first and most common sign is breast development, which may be noticed as enlarged areolas or a small lump (“breast bud”) under the nipple. Other signs include pubic or underarm hair, or a sudden growth spurt.

In boys, signs include enlargement of the testicles and penis, darkening of the scrotum, deepening voice, body odor, acne, and the appearance of pubic and underarm hair.

3. The Negative Impacts of Early Puberty

a. Physical Impacts

• Stunted final height: Children may grow quickly at first, but early closure of growth plates results in shorter adult height than expected.
• Increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases: Early puberty is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension, laying the groundwork for future heart disease.
• Higher cancer risk: In girls, early puberty may elevate the risk of breast and endometrial cancers.

b. Psychological and Social Impacts

• Mental health struggles: Children may feel insecure or uncomfortable with their early-developing bodies, impacting self-esteem, academic performance, and social interactions.
• Premature sexual awareness: Early hormonal development can lead to increased sexual curiosity before children are equipped with the knowledge or maturity to handle it, raising the risk of abuse or unsafe behavior.
• Exposure to risky behaviors: Early-maturing children may become more vulnerable to alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, especially if their emotional development does not keep pace.

How Is Early Puberty Diagnosed and Treated?

Hanh Phuc International Hospital is one of the few private hospitals in Vietnam with a dedicated Pediatric Endocrinology Department. Under the leadership of Dr. Nguyen Nhat Nam, who has authored internationally recognized research, the hospital provides personalized, internationally-standardized treatment protocols for early puberty.

a. Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation

Doctors will gather information on prenatal history, growth patterns, and the puberty onset in parents, then assess physical signs such as breast/testicle development, body hair distribution, and any other abnormalities.

b. Specialized Tests and Imaging

• Blood hormone tests, often including stimulation tests for diagnostic confirmation.
• Hand X-ray to determine bone age.
• Additional tests such as pelvic/abdominal ultrasound, testicular ultrasound, or brain MRI may be performed to rule out underlying conditions.

c. Advanced Treatment Protocols

• Safe puberty suppression therapy: Children are treated with long-acting hormone injections every 3 months, minimizing the number of injections and discomfort while improving adherence and effectiveness. These treatments are safe and do not impact future fertility. Treatment continues until the child reaches the appropriate physiological age for puberty (usually 12–13 years old).
• Growth hormone support: For children at high risk of compromised height, endocrinologists may combine growth hormone therapy to maximize their development potential.

Advice for Parents

If your child—especially under 8–9 years old—is showing signs such as breast or genital development, pubic or underarm hair, body odor, or rapid growth, do not hesitate to consult a pediatric endocrinologist.

Early diagnosis and treatment not only preserve your child’s height potential but also protect their mental and physical health in the long run. Parents can schedule an appointment online or call the hotline 1900 6765 for a consultation with the Endocrinology Department at Hanh Phuc International Hospital.

About Hanh Phuc International Hospital

Established to Singaporean standards, Hanh Phuc International Hospital is one of Vietnam’s leading private hospitals specializing in high-quality healthcare for women and children. With a dedicated, experienced medical team, modern equipment, and a treatment model aligned with the latest international medical advances, the hospital offers comprehensive care—from checkups and diagnostics to specialized treatments.

Its core strengths in Obstetrics, Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) have made Hanh Phuc a trusted healthcare destination for thousands of families.

With experts like Dr. Nguyen Nhat Nam, whose research is internationally recognized, Hanh Phuc continues to lead the field of Pediatric Endocrinology, reaffirming its role as a pioneer in medical excellence.

More than just a hospital, Hanh Phuc is a place of trust and compassion, where the patient’s experience is at the heart of every healthcare journey.

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Endocrinology Clinic Information
Dr. Nguyen Nhat Nam
Endocrinologist – Endocrinology Department – Hanh Phuc International Hospital
HANH PHUC INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL
📍 18 Binh Duong Boulevard, Thuan An City, Binh Duong Province

HANH PHUC INTERNATIONAL CLINIC – ESTELLA
📍 5th Floor – Estella Place, 88 Song Hanh, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City

Fanpage: Hanh Phuc International Hospital