A 12-year-old girl is brought to the pediatrician by her mother for a routine well-child visit. The mother expresses concern that her daughter has not yet experienced her first menstrual period, noting that several of the patient's classmates have already reached menarche. The patient's medical history is unremarkable, and she takes no medications. Her height is at the 75th percentile and weight is at the 60th percentile for age. A review of her growth chart indicates she experienced a significant acceleration in her linear growth rate approximately 6 months ago. On physical examination, breast tissue and areolae are enlarged and form a single continuous contour. Genital examination reveals dark, coarse, curly pubic hair that is confined to the mons pubis. The parents ask what physical changes they should expect next before menarche begins. Which of the following physical examination findings is most likely to immediately precede or coincide with the onset of this patient's menarche?
- Formation of a secondary mound by the areola and papillaCevap
- BExtension of pubic hair to the medial surface of the thighs
- CMaximal acceleration in linear growth rate
- DRecession of the areola to match the general contour of the breast
- EAppearance of fine, straight, and slightly pigmented pubic hair