In an era where children are growing up faster than usual and experiencing difficult emotions, many parents may be asking themselves what is happening to their children. Behind these phenomena lies an important issue that parents should not overlook: Hormones in childhood Which plays an unexpected role in the growth of both body and mind.

“My son started menstruating in second grade. He started having body hair in third grade. What should I do?”

These questions are clear examples of how hormonal changes are increasingly affecting Thai children. This article serves as a brief guide to help parents gain a concrete understanding of hormones, along with guidelines for caring for their children with understanding.

Solving the mystery of childhood hormones: Why do our children grow taller and have mood swings?

Is your child experiencing a growth spurt or experiencing an incomprehensible teenage mood swing? Behind these phenomena lies the workings of hormone Importantly, it determines the direction of their physical and mental development.

Growth Hormone It is the first and most important hormone in childhood, produced by the pituitary gland. It is the main driver of growth in height, development of bones, muscles and various organs, and plays an important role in determining the maximum height of each individual.

Effects of deficiency/surplus

• broken: May lead to abnormal short stature in children.
• over: It may cause the body to grow too fast or have abnormal organ growth.

Sex hormones and adolescence

When you enter adolescence, your body begins to produce sex hormones Rapidly increasing, which is a trigger for physiological changes and sexual development.

• In girls: Estrogen (Estrogen) and Progesterone It is the main hormone that stimulates breast development, hip enlargement, and the onset of menstruation.
• In boys: Testosterone (Testosterone) It is the main hormone that causes the voice to crack, the growth of facial hair, muscle enlargement, and the development of the genitals.

Childhood hormones and teenage emotions and behavior

The rapid fluctuations in sex hormones during adolescence have a profound effect on mood and behavior, causing teens to be moody, irritable, stressed, or especially sensitive. Understanding that these are hormonal changes can help both teens and parents better cope.

Premature puberty, a real phenomenon in Thailand

Did you know that nowadays Thai children have their earliest periods at the age of 7 years. This phenomenon is a clear sign of abnormality. Hormones in childhood And what's even more shocking is There are more than 400-500 children aged 8-9 years old per year. The fact that gold card holders are required to receive hormone suppression treatment shows that precocious puberty is not a trivial phenomenon, but a real phenomenon that is affecting a large number of Thai children.

It's not just "faster than your friends," it has long-term physical and mental effects.

Early puberty isn't just about physical growth; it's also associated with a higher risk of long-term health problems, such as heart disease and certain cancers, as well as psychological problems like stress, and can lead to other social problems. Understanding and identifying the causes is essential.

Modern behavior that accelerates hormones on children's day

So what factors cause Thai children to enter adolescence earlier? Seemingly normal daily behaviors may be unknowingly accelerating your child's hormones.

• Fast food, high sugar, soft drinks: These foods not only make children fat, but also directly affect the body's hormonal system.
• Snacks: Some snacks may contain ingredients that mimic the action of hormones, misleading the body.
• Use of products containing hormone-simulating substances: Skin whitening creams, adult cosmetics, and even some body care products may contain chemicals that disrupt hormone balance.
• Childhood obesity: Excess body fat can create and store certain hormones, causing Hormones in childhood Unbalanced

Hormonal problems in childhood and adolescence are common in this era.

• Abnormally early or late sexual development: It may be caused by a hormonal disorder that sends out the wrong signals.
• The problem of late night sleep in teenagers: Living a life without enough sleep or being exposed to blue light from electronic device screens before bed directly affects the secretion of Growth Hormone and Melatonin, causing problems with growth and emotional development.
• Stress and mood swings: From studying, competition or social problems, which affect stress hormones and affect overall development.

Parents must adjust both their own and their children's behavior. To help your child grow as naturally as possible

Hormones and mental health in Thai adolescents

In addition to physical growth, hormones play an unexpectedly important role in adolescents' mental health. A shocking fact is that: 1 in 7 Thai teenagers has mental, emotional, and behavioral problems. And 17.6% has had thoughts of harming himself.

A teenager with a violent temper doesn't necessarily mean he or she has "bad habits," but rather has a hormonal basis.

The changing hormones, coupled with brain development during adolescence, have a profound effect on mood and behavior. If your child seems irritable, moody, or has aggressive behaviors, it doesn't necessarily mean they're a bad kid. It could be a sign of a hormonal imbalance they're dealing with.

Wellness care begins with observation, consultation, and prevention.

Based on my analysis and revisions based on the recommendations, I've revised the summary paragraph under the heading "Wellness Care Approach" to be more concise and clear, while still emphasizing the key points of the article.

Understanding your baby's hormones isn't just about science, it's about preparing for comprehensive care. Taking a holistic approach to health care from the start is key to addressing these issues. Hormones in childhood Using appropriate approaches such as observation, consultation and prevention will help build a solid foundation for your child's physical and mental development.

• notice: If your child seems sleepy often, is easily stressed, has mood swings, or has unusual physical changes for his age, observe him closely.
• consult: There's no need to wait until you have a problem. You can consult an expert early on for advice.
• prevent: Plan a balanced diet, exercise, and rest plan to promote normal hormonal function. Prevention is always better than cure.

If there are serious concerns, it is important to consult a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment, and in some cases,Personalized hormone testingBy a team of expert doctors to identify abnormalities and plan treatment accurately.

Tips from Dr. Phattalada Ritthiwong, a preventative and anti-aging medicine specialist.

“Hormonal imbalances, especially in childhood, such as premature puberty, emotional changes, fatigue, and overweight, are sensitive and can impact a child's development and long-term well-being. Understanding the underlying causes from a hormonal and nutritional perspective is crucial for modern parents to address and resolve issues appropriately. Early observation of behavior and consultation with experts can help us plan sustainable long-term health care.

Don't wait until your child changes so much that you can't figure out what's going on.

Start understanding “hormones” today to build a strong immune system for your child.

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About the article author

Written and compiled by

Dr. Phattharalada Ritthiwong (Dr. Ice)

Anti-aging and preventative medicine physician
W9 Wellness Center