Puberty that starts very early or very late
What it is
Signs before 8 in girls or 9 in boys, or none by 13 and 14, are worth an endocrinology opinion.
Start preparing
- Girls: breast budding usually 8–13, then the growth spurt, then the first period about two years later.
- Boys: testicular growth usually 9–14, growth spurt 13–15, voice change around 14.
- Both ends of the range are common and usually normal — the check is about the outliers.
When to check with a professional
Breast development before 8 or a period before 10, testicular growth before 9, or no signs at all by 13 (girls) or 14 (boys), are worth a referral. Growth that stops is worth asking about at any age.
Related
Sources
- Bright Futures periodicity schedule — American Academy of Pediatrics
Compiled with AI assistance from the public sources listed above. Not yet reviewed by a clinician — check anything important against the source, with Tipat Halav or with your doctor.