Answer:

Menstruation typically appears after sex hormones have been active for a period. Precocious puberty does not cause a child to be short immediately. On the contrary, many children in the early stages of puberty may grow faster than their peers due to sex hormones stimulating growth.

However, these same hormones also cause bone age to "mature" faster than chronological age. When bone age progresses rapidly, the growth plates at the ends of long bones close prematurely. At that point, bones cannot lengthen further, and a child's height almost stops increasing.

Children with precocious puberty may experience a growth spurt, but the overall growth period is shortened. As a result, their adult height is lower than their genetic potential. For girls, after menstruation begins, the rate of height increase usually slows down significantly. Children may still grow taller, but the increase is often not as substantial as in the prepubertal stage.

Your 8-year-old daughter having started menstruation is a clear sign of puberty; the family should take her to a pediatric endocrinologist. The doctor needs to conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine how much growth potential remains and if intervention is necessary.

Doctor Son explains bone age measurement results to a parent. Illustration: Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic

During the examination, the doctor will ask about the onset of puberty signs, such as breast development, pubic hair growth, the rate of height increase in the last 6-12 months, diet, and sleep.

The child will have their height and weight measured, puberty stage assessed, and typically undergo a hand X-ray to determine bone age. Depending on the case, the doctor may order hormone tests, uterine and ovarian ultrasounds, or other examinations.

Treatment methods vary based on the condition. Some children may be prescribed puberty blockers to slow down the pubertal process, extend the growth period, and help them achieve maximum height. However, not every child with precocious puberty requires medication; the treatment decision must be evaluated by a specialist.

Families should not self-administer growth hormones, height-increasing medications, or dietary supplements advertised to "lengthen bones" for children. These products may be ineffective, delay proper treatment, or cause endocrine disorders if used incorrectly.

To support height development, children need sufficient sleep, regular exercise, a balanced diet, weight control, and limited sugary drinks and fast food. For calcium, vitamin D, or other micronutrients, parents should only supplement if the child has a deficiency or a doctor's recommendation.

Master of Science, Doctor Do Tien Son

Pediatrics Department

Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic