Latest news with #GnRH
Reuters
02-07-2025
- Health
- Reuters
Organon abandons endometriosis pain drug development after trial failure
July 2 (Reuters) - Organon (OGN.N), opens new tab said on Wednesday it will the stop development of an experimental treatment it acquired through its purchase of Forendo Pharma, after the drug failed to reduce pelvic pain in women with endometriosis. The drug's failure in a proof-of-concept mid-stage study deals a blow to the company's attempt to launch a future driver of revenue, four years after it was spun off from Merck (MRK.N), opens new tab. Another drug acquired by Organon through the up to $954 million Forendo acquisition is still in lab studies. Organon was testing the drug, OG-6219, in 354 patients aged 18 to 49 who had moderate-to-severe endometriosis-related pain, but results showed no significant improvement compared to a placebo. Improvement in pelvic pain was measured using an 11-point rating scale during the third month of treatment. Endometriosis is a condition that affects about 190 million women of reproductive age globally, according to the World Health Organization. It occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Organon's study was designed to assess whether the drug could meaningfully reduce pelvic pain and patients were randomly chosen to receive one of three pre-decided doses of the drug or a placebo, given orally twice a day. Current treatments options for endometriosis include hormonal therapies such as birth control pills, progestins, and GnRH modulators such as Myfembree, co-owned by Sumitovant Biopharma and Pfizer (PFE.N), opens new tab, and AbbVie's (ABBV.N), opens new tab Orilissa. Pain is often managed with non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen and surgery remains an option for severe cases. OG-6219 is designed to block an enzyme involved in estrogen production, aiming to reduce pain by lowering levels of estradiol at endometriosis sites without affecting hormone levels throughout the body.
Business Upturn
02-07-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
Ferring ADAPT-1 Trial Builds on Dosing Evidence for Follitropin Delta
Business Wire India Follitropin delta starting dose of 15 micrograms (µg)/day has comparable efficacy and safety as a starting dose of 225 International Units (IU)/day of follitropin alfa for ovarian stimulation in vitro fertilisation (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol cycles. This is the key finding of a trial presented today at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) Congress in Paris and published in Human Reproduction. These data build on previous studies which have established an estimated point of clinical correspondence for 10 µg follitropin delta to 150 IU follitropin alfa in this class of medications.1,2 The ADAPT-1 trial was a multicentre, randomised, assessor-blind study involving 300 women aged 18-40 years undergoing IVF or ICSI.3 The trial compared the efficacy and safety of follitropin delta and follitropin alfa using conventional dosing regimens with a primary endpoint of number of oocytes retrieved. Currently, follitropin delta is approved for use via a dosing algorithm based on serum anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and bodyweight individualised for each patient, and aims to obtain an ovarian response which is associated with a favourable safety/efficacy profile. The clinical value of this approach has been well established4,5,6,7,8, particularly in treatment-naïve patients where the algorithm aims to achieve 8–14 retrieved oocytes while minimising the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) to optimise the live birth rate in a fresh and frozen transfer cycle.4,5,6,7,8 Key Findings: Ovarian Response: Both treatment groups achieved a mean of 9.9 oocytes retrieved, indicating similar efficacy Both treatment groups achieved a mean of 9.9 oocytes retrieved, indicating similar efficacy Clinical Pregnancy Rates: Clinical pregnancy rates were similar for follitropin delta 31.6% versus 31.0% for follitropin alfa Clinical pregnancy rates were similar for follitropin delta 31.6% versus 31.0% for follitropin alfa Drug Product Usage: After measurement unit conversion, the mean total dose patients were exposed to was numerically lower for follitropin delta (143.7±33.6 µg) than follitropin alfa (154.3±23.1 µg or 2,105±315 IU) After measurement unit conversion, the mean total dose patients were exposed to was numerically lower for follitropin delta (143.7±33.6 µg) than follitropin alfa (154.3±23.1 µg or 2,105±315 IU) OHSS Rates: Early OHSS rates were low (2.5% for follitropin delta and 3.0% for follitropin alfa), with no cycle cancellations due to excessive ovarian response on either arm of the study. Dr Andrea Bernabeu, Medical Director at Instituto Bernabeu and principal investigator of the ADAPT-1 trial, said: "No patients we see as fertility doctors are the same and the ability to optimise therapy based on patients age, treatment goal and whether they have a high or low response to follicular stimulation are all relevant. These data provide confidence and expand our understanding for dosing in follitropin delta." Pierre-Yves Berclaz, Chief Science and Medical Officer at Ferring Pharmaceuticals, stated: "The ADAPT-1 trial results confirm the efficacy and safety of follitropin delta across the full range of dosing strategies, making it the only recombinant FSH with robust clinical evidence supporting multiple dosing strategies. Ferring will take forward the implications of this study in future dialogue with regulatory authorities." About GnRH protocols Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists are used as concomitant treatment during ovarian stimulation to prevent premature luteinisation and ovulation for IVF/ICSI.7,8 About Follitropin Delta (Rekovelle®) Follitropin delta is a human cell line-derived rFSH with an approved dosing algorithm designed for a predictable ovarian response.3 It is the first rFSH derived from a human cell line (PER.C6® cell line). Follitropin delta is structurally and biochemically distinct from other existing rFSH gonadotrophins.3,4 Follitropin delta is approved in certain markets for use in controlled ovarian stimulation for the development of multiple follicles in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as IVF or ICSI cycle. The individualised dosing of follitropin delta is determined using an approved algorithm, based on a woman's AMH level and body weight.3,5 AMH is a biomarker used to assess ovarian reserve and can help predict ovarian response.5,6 The follitropin delta dose should be based on AMH level, measured using the ELECSYS AMH Plus immunoassay from Roche, the ACCESS AMH Advanced from Beckman Coulter, or LUMIPULSE G AMH from Fujirebio.3 About Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a privately owned, research-driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group committed to building families and helping people live better lives. We are leaders in reproductive medicine with a strong heritage in areas of gastroenterology and urology, and are at the forefront of innovation in uro-oncology gene therapy. Ferring was founded in 1950 and employs more than 7,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Saint-Prex, Switzerland, and has operating subsidiaries in more than 50 countries which market its medicines in over 100 countries. Learn more at or connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X. REFERENCES 1 – Arce JC, Larsson P, Garcia-Velasco JA; Establishing the follitropin delta dose that provides a comparable ovarian response to 150 IU/day follitropin alfa; RBMO; 2020 2 – Yang R, Zhang Y, Liang X et al; Comparative clinical outcome following individualized follitropin delta dosing in Chinese women undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization / intracytoplasmic sperm injection; Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology; 2022 3 – Clinical page: (Accessed June 2025) 4 – Andersen, A. N., Nelson, S. M., Fauser, B. et al. (2017). Individualized versus conventional ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization: A multicenter, randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, phase 3 noninferiority trial. Fertility and Sterility, 107(2), 387-396. 5 – Bosch E, Havelock J, Martin FS, Rasmussen BB, Klein BM, Mannaerts B, Arce JC; ESTHER-2 Study Group. Follitropin delta in repeated ovarian stimulation for IVF: a controlled, assessor-blind Phase 3 safety trial. Reprod Biomed Online. 2019 Feb;38(2):195-205. PMID: 30594482. 6 – Ishihara O, Arce JC, Japanese Follitropin Delta Phase 3 Trial G. Individualized follitropin delta dosing reduces OHSS risk in Japanese IVF/ICSI patients: a randomized controlled trial. Reprod Biomed Online. 2021 May;42(5):909-18. PubMed PMID: 33722477. Epub 2021/03/17. 7 – Qiao J, Zhang Y, Liang X, et al. A randomised controlled trial to clinically validate follitropin delta in its individualised dosing regimen for ovarian stimulation in Asian IVF/ICSI patients. Hum Reprod. 2021 Jun 28;36(9):2452-62. PubMed PMID: 34179971. Epub 2021/06/29. 8 – Blockeel C, Griesinger G, Rago R, et al. Prospective multicenter non-interventional real-world study to assess the patterns of use, effectiveness and safety of follitropin delta in routine clinical practice (the PROFILE study). Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2022 Dec 22;13:992677. PMID: 36619578. View source version on Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire India. Business Upturn take no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Business Wire
02-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Ferring ADAPT-1 Trial Builds on Dosing Evidence for Follitropin Delta
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Follitropin delta starting dose of 15 micrograms (µg)/day has comparable efficacy and safety as a starting dose of 225 International Units (IU)/day of follitropin alfa for ovarian stimulation in vitro fertilisation (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol cycles. This is the key finding of a trial presented today at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) Congress in Paris and published in Human Reproduction. These data build on previous studies which have established an estimated point of clinical correspondence for 10 µg follitropin delta to 150 IU follitropin alfa in this class of medications. 1,2 The ADAPT-1 trial was a multicentre, randomised, assessor-blind study involving 300 women aged 18-40 years undergoing IVF or ICSI. 3 The trial compared the efficacy and safety of follitropin delta and follitropin alfa using conventional dosing regimens with a primary endpoint of number of oocytes retrieved. Currently, follitropin delta is approved for use via a dosing algorithm based on serum anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and bodyweight individualised for each patient, and aims to obtain an ovarian response which is associated with a favourable safety/efficacy profile. The clinical value of this approach has been well established 4,5,6,7,8, particularly in treatment-naïve patients where the algorithm aims to achieve 8–14 retrieved oocytes while minimising the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) to optimise the live birth rate in a fresh and frozen transfer cycle. 4,5,6,7,8 Key Findings: Ovarian Response: Both treatment groups achieved a mean of 9.9 oocytes retrieved, indicating similar efficacy Clinical Pregnancy Rates: Clinical pregnancy rates were similar for follitropin delta 31.6% versus 31.0% for follitropin alfa Drug Product Usage: After measurement unit conversion, the mean total dose patients were exposed to was numerically lower for follitropin delta (143.7±33.6 µg) than follitropin alfa (154.3±23.1 µg or 2,105±315 IU) OHSS Rates: Early OHSS rates were low (2.5% for follitropin delta and 3.0% for follitropin alfa), with no cycle cancellations due to excessive ovarian response on either arm of the study. Dr Andrea Bernabeu, Medical Director at Instituto Bernabeu and principal investigator of the ADAPT-1 trial, said: "No patients we see as fertility doctors are the same and the ability to optimise therapy based on patients age, treatment goal and whether they have a high or low response to follicular stimulation are all relevant. These data provide confidence and expand our understanding for dosing in follitropin delta." Pierre-Yves Berclaz, Chief Science and Medical Officer at Ferring Pharmaceuticals, stated: "The ADAPT-1 trial results confirm the efficacy and safety of follitropin delta across the full range of dosing strategies, making it the only recombinant FSH with robust clinical evidence supporting multiple dosing strategies. Ferring will take forward the implications of this study in future dialogue with regulatory authorities." About GnRH protocols Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists are used as concomitant treatment during ovarian stimulation to prevent premature luteinisation and ovulation for IVF/ICSI. 7,8 About Follitropin Delta (Rekovelle ®) Follitropin delta is a human cell line-derived rFSH with an approved dosing algorithm designed for a predictable ovarian response. 3 It is the first rFSH derived from a human cell line (PER.C6 ® cell line). Follitropin delta is structurally and biochemically distinct from other existing rFSH gonadotrophins. 3,4 Follitropin delta is approved in certain markets for use in controlled ovarian stimulation for the development of multiple follicles in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as IVF or ICSI cycle. The individualised dosing of follitropin delta is determined using an approved algorithm, based on a woman's AMH level and body weight. 3,5 AMH is a biomarker used to assess ovarian reserve and can help predict ovarian response. 5,6 The follitropin delta dose should be based on AMH level, measured using the ELECSYS AMH Plus immunoassay from Roche, the ACCESS AMH Advanced from Beckman Coulter, or LUMIPULSE G AMH from Fujirebio. 3 About Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a privately owned, research-driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group committed to building families and helping people live better lives. We are leaders in reproductive medicine with a strong heritage in areas of gastroenterology and urology, and are at the forefront of innovation in uro-oncology gene therapy. Ferring was founded in 1950 and employs more than 7,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Saint-Prex, Switzerland, and has operating subsidiaries in more than 50 countries which market its medicines in over 100 countries. Learn more at or connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X. REFERENCES 1 – Arce JC, Larsson P, Garcia-Velasco JA; Establishing the follitropin delta dose that provides a comparable ovarian response to 150 IU/day follitropin alfa; RBMO; 2020 2 – Yang R, Zhang Y, Liang X et al; Comparative clinical outcome following individualized follitropin delta dosing in Chinese women undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization / intracytoplasmic sperm injection; Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology; 2022 3 – Clinical page: (Accessed June 2025) 4 – Andersen, A. N., Nelson, S. M., Fauser, B. et al. (2017). Individualized versus conventional ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization: A multicenter, randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, phase 3 noninferiority trial. Fertility and Sterility, 107(2), 387-396. 5 – Bosch E, Havelock J, Martin FS, Rasmussen BB, Klein BM, Mannaerts B, Arce JC; ESTHER-2 Study Group. Follitropin delta in repeated ovarian stimulation for IVF: a controlled, assessor-blind Phase 3 safety trial. Reprod Biomed Online. 2019 Feb;38(2):195-205. PMID: 30594482. 6 – Ishihara O, Arce JC, Japanese Follitropin Delta Phase 3 Trial G. Individualized follitropin delta dosing reduces OHSS risk in Japanese IVF/ICSI patients: a randomized controlled trial. Reprod Biomed Online. 2021 May;42(5):909-18. PubMed PMID: 33722477. Epub 2021/03/17. 7 – Qiao J, Zhang Y, Liang X, et al. A randomised controlled trial to clinically validate follitropin delta in its individualised dosing regimen for ovarian stimulation in Asian IVF/ICSI patients. Hum Reprod. 2021 Jun 28;36(9):2452-62. PubMed PMID: 34179971. Epub 2021/06/29. 8 – Blockeel C, Griesinger G, Rago R, et al. Prospective multicenter non-interventional real-world study to assess the patterns of use, effectiveness and safety of follitropin delta in routine clinical practice (the PROFILE study). Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2022 Dec 22;13:992677. PMID: 36619578.
India.com
25-06-2025
- Health
- India.com
The Silent Killer: What Really Happens If Endometriosis Is Left Untreated
Many still mistake endometriosis for 'bad period cramps.' But what starts as subtle pain can evolve into a dangerous, life-altering disease if left unchecked. Endometriosis doesn't just disrupt your cycle, it can damage organs, steal fertility, and affect your mental health for life. Dr Smeet Patel, Endometriosis Specialist at Mayflower Women's Hospital, Ahmedabad, reveals why early diagnosis and real treatment, not just hormonal suppression, are crucial. The Progressive Nature of Endometriosis "Endometriosis is not just a menstrual nuisance, it's a progressive, invasive disease," says Dr. Smeet Patel. It begins with mild discomfort and period pain but can quickly escalate into persistent pelvic and back pain, painful sex, neuropathic flares, and widespread symptoms that go well beyond menstruation. It spreads silently, forming scar tissue (adhesions) that fuses organs together, sometimes pulling ovaries toward the pelvic wall or tethering the uterus to the rectum. Lesions aren't confined to reproductive organs; they may affect the bowel, bladder, ureters, and even reach as far as the diaphragm. A Web of Symptoms You Can't Ignore The symptoms often reflect the disease's invasive reach, painful urination (dysuria), painful bowel movements (dyschezia), and painful sex (dyspareunia). But the pain is not 'just in your head.' Endometriosis rewires your nervous system. "The chronic inflammation causes central sensitisation," Dr. Patel explains. "This means your nerves become hypersensitive. It's neurological, not psychological." Left untreated, this hypersensitivity leads to intense, daily suffering. Years of Silent Progression and Misdiagnosis One of the most chilling aspects of endometriosis? It can slowly destroy your body for years before anyone realizes. "The average diagnosis takes 7 to 10 years," Dr. Patel says. During this time, irreversible fertility damage may occur—like blocked fallopian tubes or ovarian endometriomas, often discovered only during infertility evaluations. Deep lesions can go unnoticed until they cause life-threatening complications—bowel obstructions, kidney swelling, and even cyclical lung or chest pain if they reach the diaphragm or lungs. Treatment That Doesn't Treat the Root Cause Hormonal therapies like birth control pills or GnRH agonists may ease symptoms, but they're not a cure. Dr. Patel warns, "They mask symptoms, allowing the disease to progress undetected. Long-term use can even cause bone loss and severe mood disorders." Surgery, too, can backfire if not done correctly. 'Ablation-only' surgeries that burn surface lesions often cause more scar tissue and worsen the pain. The gold standard is complete laparoscopic excision by a specialist, but few women worldwide can access this care. Beyond the Pelvis: Systemic Health Risks Endometriosis is not just a reproductive disorder. It's a whole-body inflammatory condition. Chronic inflammation increases levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-alpha), which are linked to autoimmune diseases and even heart disease. Worse still, long-standing cases have been associated with increased risk of certain ovarian cancers, particularly clear cell and endometrioid subtypes. The Psychological Toll: Trauma That's Often Overlooked Living with chronic pain for years, being dismissed by doctors, and facing delays in treatment takes a serious emotional toll. 'Many patients develop anxiety, depression, and even PTSD,' Dr. Patel says. "The trauma of not being believed is real and lasting." Women frequently report being gaslighted by healthcare providers, told it's 'normal,' or advised to 'just take a painkiller.' These dismissals create lasting mistrust in the medical system. Why Early Diagnosis Is Everything Hormonal suppression isn't a cure, it's a temporary mask. By the time symptoms become unbearable, the disease may have already done lasting damage. That's why it's crucial to listen to patients early, take their pain seriously, and pursue proper diagnostics. Final Word: Don't Ignore the Early Signs If you, or someone you love, suffers from severe menstrual pain, chronic pelvic aches, or unusual digestive or urinary symptoms, don't wait. Endometriosis doesn't slow down. Left untreated, it can impact every aspect of life: fertility, organ function, and mental well-being. Early diagnosis and proper excision surgery can drastically change outcomes. Believe women. Advocate for better care. Because when it comes to endometriosis, ignorance isn't just harmful, it can be deadly.
The Star
10-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Puberty occurring at an unusually early age
Sara was only seven when her mother noticed something unusual – her daughter had started developing breasts and even had her first period. This caught the family by surprise. Isn't puberty supposed to start later? Worried, they came to see me. Sara's story is one many parents might find unfamiliar but is important to understand. When children start puberty too early – before age eight in girls and before age nine in boys – it's called precocious puberty. What happens during puberty? Puberty is a time of big changes. The brain tells the body to start producing hormones that help children grow taller, develop breasts or testicles, grow body hair, and eventually become capable of reproduction. The main hormone messenger in this process is a chemical in the brain called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It signals the pituitary gland (a small gland at the base of the brain) to release two key hormones: luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These in turn stimulate the ovaries in girls and the testes in boys to produce estrogen and testosterone, the hormones responsible for the visible changes of puberty. Normally, girls start puberty between eight and 13 years, while boys begin between nine and 14 years. But when this process begins too soon, children face unique physical and emotional challenges. When precocious puberty strikes, boys might feel pressured to behave in a more mature way than they're ready for. — Pixabay Signs to watch for How do you know if your child may be entering puberty early? Here are some common signs: In girls: > Breast development before the age of eight > Menstrual bleeding before the age of 10 > Rapid growth or 'growth spurts' > Pubic or underarm hair > Acne or oily skin > Body odour similar to that of a teenager. In boys: > Enlargement of the testicles or penis before age nine > Deepening of the voice > Muscle growth > Facial, underarm, or pubic hair > Acne and body odour. In both boys and girls, a noticeable increase in height over a short period may be one of the first signs parents pick up on. Sometimes these signs can be subtle at first. If you're unsure, speak to your child's doctor. Why does early puberty happen? In most girls, early puberty is due to the brain starting the hormone process too early. This is called central precocious puberty (CPP), and in many cases, there is no identifiable cause – it just happens. However, if the onset is very young before six years or in boys, it is likely to be caused by a medical issue, such as a problem in the brain, a tumour, or another hormonal disorder. Less commonly, precocious puberty can be peripheral – meaning the hormone changes start outside the brain. This could be due to problems with the adrenal glands, ovaries, or testes, and is not triggered by the usual brain hormones. Other known factors that may play a role in triggering early puberty include: > Brain abnormalities or tumours, especially in very young children > Previous radiation or trauma to the brain > Congenital conditions, such as hypothalamic hamartoma > Obesity, which is increasingly recognised as a contributing factor > Family history of early puberty > Environmental exposures to hormone-disrupting chemicals. What are endocrine disruptors? Parents should be aware of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These are substances that can interfere with the body's hormone systems. Some are found in plastics especially bisphenol A (BPA), cosmetics, fragrances, pesticides and even some foods e,g, plant-based estrogen known as phytoestrogen. For example, certain essential oils like lavender and tea tree oil have been linked – though not conclusively – to hormone effects in children. Creams or supplements bought over the counter or online may also contain undisclosed hormones. While the science and evidence is still evolving, it's best to reduce unnecessary exposure to products that may contain hormones or hormone-like compounds, especially in young children. How is early puberty evaluated? If your child is showing early signs of puberty, the next step is to consult a paediatric endocrinologist – a doctor who specialises in hormone issues in children. Here's what you can expect during an evaluation: > A detailed medical and family history, including growth patterns, timing of puberty in parents and any medications or exposures > A physical examination to assess the stage of puberty and growth rate > Blood tests to measure hormone levels (LH, FSH, estrogen or testosterone, and other related hormones) > Bone age X-ray of the left hand and wrist to see how much a child's bones have matured > Pelvic ultrasound in some girls to assess the uterus and ovaries, or testicular ultrasound in boys if needed > Pituitary MRI in certain cases (especially in boys or girls under six years, or those with rapid progression) to look for brain abnormalities. What problems can early puberty cause? One major concern with precocious puberty is shorter adult height. Children grow quickly at first, but their bones also mature faster. This can lead to the growth plates closing earlier than usual, limiting final height. There are also emotional and psychological challenges. Children who develop earlier than peers may feel different, embarrassed or self-conscious. Girls may struggle with body image or unwanted attention. Boys might feel pressured to behave in a more mature way than they're ready for. These feelings can affect self-esteem, social development and even school performance. Can early puberty be treated? Yes! The good news is that precocious puberty can be managed effectively. The main treatment for central precocious puberty is with GnRH analogues – medications that 'switch off' the puberty hormones by blocking the signals from the brain. These medications are usually given as intramuscular injections, typically once a month or every three to six months, depending on the preparation used. These medications are generally safe and well-tolerated, and once they are stopped (usually around the normal age of puberty), the body resumes puberty naturally. Side effects such as sterile abscess at the injection sites are reported but uncommonly. Treatment helps preserve height potential and gives children more time to grow physically and emotionally before entering adolescence. Any underlying causes or contributing factors must also be addressed. A paediatric endocrinologist considers treatment based on: > The child's age > How fast the puberty is progressing > Bone age and predicted adult height > The child's emotional readiness and how they're coping. Sara's journey Sara began treatment soon after her diagnosis. Her hormone levels were consistent with early puberty, and her bone age showed advanced maturity compared to her actual age. With three-monthly injections and regular follow-up, her puberty progression slowed, and her growth pattern stabilised. More importantly, she had the time to adjust emotionally and her confidence returned. With the support of her family, Sara started feeling like a kid again. So, if you suspect your child might be going through puberty too early, trust your instincts. Seek medical advice early – because early diagnosis can make a big difference in your child's growth, emotional health and long-term well-being. Remember: > Not all early signs mean your child has precocious puberty or needs treatment, but it's worth getting checked > Treatment is available and effective > Support from parents and clear information can help your child feel safe and understood. And finally, be mindful of the products your child is exposed to – avoid unnecessary fragrances, creams, oils or supplements that may contain hormone-like substances. With awareness, early action, and the right care, children with precocious puberty can go on to thrive – just like Sara. Dr Jeanne Wong Sze Lyn is a consultant paediatrician and paediatric endocrinologist. For more information, email starhealth@ The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
