Unless a child is born with a genetic condition causing excessive hair growth from birth, most children will begin to grow more hair on various parts of their bodies when they reach puberty. Heredity plays a crucial role in determining the onset of puberty, and also the amount of hair a child will grow. The difference between normal or abnormal hair growth is based on many factors.
Function
The function of hair is to physiologically provide a constant temperature of the body, give protection and provide a sensory receptor to the body. Light and thin hair, known as vellus hair, is found all over the body for these reasons. With the onset of puberty and other hormonal changes, some of this normally vellus hair becomes terminal. Terminal hair is coarse, dark and grows longer.
Puberty
Both males and females begin to produce more testosterone at puberty, with males producing more. Androgen is part of the family of testosterone that is the primary hormone causing changes to children during puberty. This sex hormone will cause increased terminal hair in the pubic and underarm areas. Boys will also begin to grow terminal hair on the face, around the nipples and on the stomach, according to The Hormone Help Center.
Condition
If you notice an increase in body hair growth on a girl in places that only boys should be producing terminal hair, she may have a condition known as hirsutism, according to MayoClinic.com. This condition develops from an imbalance of hormones, resulting in girls producing more androgen in the ovaries than they normally should be producing. One of the most common conditions that causes hirsutism in young women is polycystic ovary syndrome.
Effects
If you notice an increase in terminal body hair on your child, other symptoms to look for in relation to polycystic ovary syndrome include irregular menstrual periods with the periods being very heavy or very light, acne and obesity. The child may also have diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Polycystic ovary syndrome can develop during the teenage years, and also within childbearing age, according to MedlinePlus.
Considerations
Hair growth in children is a part of growing up and maturing. Abnormal hair growth can be detrimental to children if seen around their peers. If you think your child may have abnormal hair growth, seek medical attention from a doctor. It is best to find a solution and possible prevention of any problem while they are young.
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