Early and Late Maturation
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Early and Late Maturation, Textbook p.344 and Elsevier (2007) (http:www.impcna.com/intranet/Nelson%20Pediatric/Endocrine%Disorders/Puberty%5B1%5D.pdf
Early and late maturation as well as normal maturation are a result of hormones (Elsevier, 2007). Early maturation is more common in boys than girls are. There is however no known cause for early maturation (Elsevier, 2007). It is suspected that certain tumors of the ovaries, adrenal glands, or brain, rare syndromes or genetic diseases and certain medications could be possible causes of early maturation.
Late maturation on the other hand is caused by growth disorders in children (Elsevier, 2007). Other causes include hard physical training, especially in girls, chronic diseases, cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease and genetic diseases such as Turner’s syndrome in girls (Elsevier, 2007). These conditions, though with no detectable cause are treatable. If not detected early and treated, though, late maturation can lead to reduced height.
Early and late maturation cause certain psychological effects to children and hence such children should be advised to visit a psychologist for help (Elsevier, 2007). It is important to note that early or late maturation should not worry parents or guardians so much since conditions requiring treatment are rare. The only fear about their children is that it may cause the children embarrassment (Elsevier, 2007) hence the need for psychological help. These children need to be reminded that their puberty has come earlier or delayed.