While eight years old is still young to go through puberty, the average age of puberty is lowering year by year. 

That’s according to Dr Sumi Dunne in this week’s 'Ask the GP' on Lunchtime Live. 

One listener said their eight-year-old daughter was already going through puberty, with symptoms such as mood swings, sick stomach, and physical changes. 

Dr Dunne said in the last 15 to 20 years, doctors have observed that puberty is starting sooner. 

“We now say the normal age is around 10 whereas when I was medical school, we would have associated it with your mid-teens,” she said. 

“Eight is young, but it’s still within what we call the early normal range nowadays.” 

She said what’s most important is making sure the daughter has “appropriate information” about puberty that she can understand. 

HRT and lack of sleep

Another woman told the GP she has been suffering from insomnia since she started HRT treatment. 

Dr Dunne said it very much depends on what HRT the woman is on. 

“Normally there is a couple components of HRT because most women have a ‘womb present’,” she said. 

“If you have a womb present you have to take a progesterone component and also a patch or a gel which is the estrogen component. 

“If you are taking that progesterone as a tablet oral at night, that will help promote your sleep.” 

Dr Dunne pointed out it typically takes about six weeks before the full effects of HRT come in, so the woman should try to give it some time. 

GP on rugby injuries

Finally, another parent told the GP their teenage son had injured his knee playing rugby and had a loose piece of bone. 

Despite that, the son wants to get back to playing ruby next week – something Dr Dunne warned against. 

“With an acute injury, you do really need to give it time,” she said. 

“If there is any degree of swelling or pain if your son is unable to stand on his leg or have a full range of movement, then he is not fit to return to play.” 

As someone with two rugby-playing sons herself, the GP said she has “been through the wars” and advised as much patience as possible. 

Listen back here: