Overview Of Precocious Puberty
Puberty is the time during which a person’s sexual and physical characteristics mature. Precocious puberty is when these body changes happen earlier than normal.
Commonly Associated With
Pubertas praecox
Causes Of Precocious Puberty
Puberty usually begins between ages 8 and 14 for girls and ages 9 and 16 for boys.
The exact age a child enters puberty depends on a number of factors, including family history, nutrition, and sex.
Most often there is no clear cause for precocious puberty. Some cases are due to changes in the brain, genetic problems, or certain tumors that release hormones.
These conditions include:
- Disorders of the testicles, ovaries, or adrenal glands
- Tumor of the hypothalamus (hypothalamic hamartoma)
- Tumors that release a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
Symptoms Of Precocious Puberty
In girls, this condition occurs when any of the following develop before age 8:
- Armpit or pubic hair
- Beginning to grow faster
- Breasts
- First period (menstruation)
- Mature outer genitals
In boys, precocious puberty is when any of the following develop before age 9:
- Armpit or pubic hair
- Growth of the testes and penis
- Facial hair, often first on the upper lip
- Muscle growth
- Voice change (deepening)
Exams & Tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam to check for signs of precocious puberty.
Tests that may be ordered include:
- Blood tests to check hormone levels.
- CT or MRI scan of the brain or of the abdomen to rule out tumors.
Treatment Of Precocious Puberty
Depending on the cause, treatment for precocious puberty may include:
- Medicines to stop the release of sexual hormones, in order to delay further development of puberty. These medicines are given by injection or shot. They will be given until the normal age of puberty.
- Surgery to remove a tumor.
- Children with early sexual development may have psychological and social problems. Children and adolescents want to be the same as their peers. Early sexual development can make them appear different. Parents can support their child by explaining the condition and how the doctor plans to treat it. Talking to a mental health worker or counselor may also help.
