Dear Doctor,
I have twin nine-year-old daughters who are in early puberty. Pubic hair started growing at age seven, which is why I brought them to a ped endo. Their bone age at the time was almost two years advanced. They were diagnosed with adernarche. Now, they are in puberty, and they are now both Tanner Stage 3, pubic hair and Tanner Stage 3, breast development for one, stage 2 for the other. Bone age is 11 to 12 for the first, and 11 for the second. They are 4'7" and the question is whether to delay puberty. Since it's technically not precocious, but just on the early side of normal, the ped endo says it is up to me and her father to decide what to do. While they look older, neither is emotionally prepared for their period. I am very concerned about short stature and the ped endo says she believes they will make it to 5' but can't be certain.
My biggest question is this: have you ever heard of lupron actually stunting growth? Another doctor I went to, with whom I did not have a good rapport, said we shouldn't treat because this could happen. The next ped endo, who took time to explain everything to me, said she would be very surprised if this happened. If we decide to treat, she recommends the monthly injections.
Thank you so much for your insight on this very sensitive matter. My husband and I are going to meet with the ped endo we like to make a final decision and I want to make sure to have all the information possible.