Premature thelarche of infancy: Causes and Treatment

Thelarche refers to breast development in girls, which usually occurs after age 8 years. Premature thelarche refers to a condition in which girls develop breast tissue before the age of 8 years.

Sometimes, baby girls can develop breasts in the first year of life and this condition is called benign premature thelarche of infancy. Usually, both breasts are enlarged, but sometimes only one breast might be affected.

What are the causes of premature thelarche of infancy?

The cause is not entirely clear. Estrogen (the female hormone) from the mother might be transferred to the baby during pregnancy, which might lead to premature thelarche. Some girls might have tiny cysts in their ovaries that might produce estrogen.

How is premature thelarche of infancy treated?

Typically, this condition does not progress and therefore, observation might suffice. The breast development often regresses itself by age 2-3 years. There appear to be no long-term health problems for girls with premature thelarche of infancy. They usually have their first menstrual periods at a normal age.

Sometimes, premature thelarche of infancy might be a sign of an underlying condition. Therefore, evaluation and monitoring by a pediatric endocrinologist is highly recommended.

If you are concerned about your child’s growth and development, call Dr. Nidhi Gupta at 615-857-5110 to discuss your concerns, at no obligations. Dr. Gupta has been practicing endocrinology for over a decade now and takes pride in providing comprehensive, patient-centric care in her private practice, KAP Pediatric Endocrinology, in Franklin, TN.