My 6 year old daughter has pubic hair.
I got her checked by a pediatric endocrinologist. He suggested some tests around 7 months ago which came out normal.
He asked us to repeat DHEA in April.
The reports say that her DHEA is 1.87 ng/ml
Is this normal or should I consult with him again.
What are the other precautions we should take.
We are giving her healthy food. She is maintaining a healthy weight and height for her age. She goes out to play everyday.
Answers (3)
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Please consult your endocrinologist again for further evaluation and bone age testing.
Avoid sugary bakery items , packaged snacks, tofu, soy products, red meat , energy drinks , fast food, canned food and excessive flaxseeds
Early pubic hair (pubarche) in a 6-year-old may be a sign of premature adrenarche, which is often benign but needs monitoring.
A DHEA level of 1.87 ng/mL is within or near the upper end of the normal range for a child of that age. However, values can vary slightly by lab.
Recommendations:
1. Yes, follow up with the pediatric endocrinologist, especially since this is a recurring concern.
2. A bone age X-ray may help assess if puberty is progressing faster than normal.
3. Continue monitoring for:
Rapid height gain
Body odor
Breast development or other signs of puberty
4. No specific dietary changes are usually needed unless advised, but continuing with healthy habits is good.
Next Steps
Hormonal Blood Tests
These help rule out early puberty or adrenal disorders:
DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate)
Androstenedione
17-Hydroxyprogesterone (to rule out late-onset CAH)
LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) — baseline and possibly after a GnRH stimulation test
Estradiol — to assess early estrogen exposure
Testosterone — though low in girls, it may be elevated in some conditions
Cortisol — if signs of Cushing’s are present
TSH and free T4 — to rule out thyroid abnormalities
2. Bone Age X-ray
Left hand and wrist X-ray — checks if bone maturation is ahead of chronological age, a key indicator of early puberty.
3. Pelvic Ultrasound
Evaluates uterine and ovarian size — enlarged size may suggest true central puberty.
4. ACTH Stimulation Test
If 17-OHP is borderline or raised, this can help diagnose non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
5. Monitoring Growth Velocity
Accurate height tracking over months helps identify abnormal growth acceleration.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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