Is breast development at age 10 considered precocious puberty?

Jun 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My sister's 10-year-old child has already started breast development and is experiencing swelling and pain. I'm not sure if this counts as precocious puberty. Does breast development at age 10 qualify as early puberty?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Breast development is one of the key signs of puberty in girls. Generally, the onset of puberty in girls occurs between the ages of 9 and 13; therefore, breast development at age 10 is typically considered a normal physiological process rather than precocious puberty. Each child's growth and development are unique and influenced by various factors such as genetics, environment, and nutrition. If breast development occurs before the age of 8, it may be diagnosed as precocious puberty. Precocious puberty is usually caused by conditions such as gonadal tumors, adrenal disorders, or external environmental factors. In such cases, prompt medical evaluation is necessary to identify the underlying cause and appropriate medication should be administered for treatment.