House Call

Ebony, Jan, 1999

Expert Advice on Health and Fitness

`What Has Caused My 10-Year-Old Daughter To Develop So Fast?'

EARLY MATURITY IN 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL

Q My daughter started to develop breasts when she was about 8 years old. Two months after her 10th birthday, she started her menstrual cycle and is wearing a size 34B bra. Her friends and classmates have made comments that make her feel self-conscious about her development. She only wants to wear sports bras that are too small to try to camouflage her chest. What has caused my daughter to develop so fast? K.E., Dallas

A Your daughter probably is experiencing a condition called precocious puberty, which is sexual maturation that begins before age 8 in a girl or before age l0 in a boy. It is two to five times more common in girls than in boys. The early release of sex hormones from the pituitary gland causes the sex glands to mature prematurely, causing a child's outward appearance to become more adultlike. In addition to breast development, the condition causes girls to begin to have menstrual periods, and develop pubic hair and underarm hair.

This early hormone release, doctors say, can be caused by an abnormality in the pituitary gland, such as a hormone-secreting tumor, or by an abnormality in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls the pituitary gland.

Make an appointment as soon as possible so a physician can determine what's causing the early release of your daughter's sex hormones. There are drugs that have proven to be effective in correcting the condition.

DANGER OF ANABOLIC STEROID ABUSE

Q Our 17-year-old son is a good athlete in football, basketball and baseball. He exercises a lot, but we're concerned because his body has filled out so quickly. My husband and I are fearful that he might be using steroids. What do these drugs do and what are the dangers associated with them? L.H., Miami

A Although there is a ban on anabolic steroid use by amateur and professional sports organizations around the world, a number of athletes continue to take the risks associated with these performance-enhancing drugs, which can cause some serious medical problems. Medical experts say anabolic steroids; similar to the natural hormone testos-terone, can be taken orally or by injection and--in addition to boosting energy--stimulate the growth of muscle.

Surprisingly, a national survey indicates that between 6 and 11 percent of high school-aged boys, including nonathletes, use steroids. Additionally, the largest group of first-time users were boys who were younger than 15 years old.

Doctors say that the amount of the drug used relates to the side effects produced. Large doses may produce erractic mood swings, irrational behavior and increased aggressiveness. Jaundice may occur if the user has liver damage, which is more likely with tablets than with the injected form of the drugs.

Talk to your son, first, to make sure he knows that anabolic steroids are banned substances and, second, that they can contribute to some serious health problems.

CAUSES AND `CURES' OF SNORING

Q Since I got married two years ago, I haven't had a good night's sleep because my husband makes so much noise with his snoring. What could cause him to snore so loudly, and what can be done about it? P.B., New York City

A It's estimated that 70 percent of Americans snore, with most being men over 40 years old. Snoring, which is no laughing matter, can be caused by a number of medical conditions, including allergies, hypothyroidism and a deviated septum. Your husband could be suffering from a serious condition called sleep apnea. Until he can see his doctor for an examination, there are several recommendations from sleep specialists that should help to quiet a snorer--sleeping on one's side, losing weight if overweight and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes.