Part of UT Health San Antonio
Definition
Precocious puberty (PP) is when puberty happens before:
- Age 8 years in girls
- Age 9 years in boys
Causes
Puberty is a complex process of brain, body, and hormonal growth. In most cases, the cause is not known.
In some cases, PP may be caused by:
- Brain tumors
- Cerebral palsy
- Hydrocephalus
- Problems with the central nervous system
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Risk Factors
Precocious puberty is more common in girls.
Other things that may raise your child’s risk are:
- Having a greater body mass index, especially in girls
- Exposure to toxins
- Family history—some cases may run in families
Symptoms
Symptoms of PP in girls may include:
- Breast, pubic hair, and underarm hair growth
- Menstrual bleeding
Symptoms of PP in boys may include:
- Growth of penis and testicles
- Pubic and underarm hair growth
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Your child’s puberty milestones and growth will be checked. Your child may be referred to a doctor who specializes in hormonal, glandular, and metabolic problems.
Blood tests may be done.
Pictures may be taken with:
Treatment
Talk with your child's doctor about the best plan for your child. You child may need:
Medications
Medicine can be used to treat PP depending on the type. They may stop or slow sexual growth. They also halt the rapid bone growth and encourage normal growth.
Psychological Support
PP may cause social problems in some children. Psychological support may be helpful. Talk to your child's doctor about what options are available.
Treatment of Underlying Conditions
If a health problem is the cause of PP, it will be treated.
Surgery
Surgery may be needed if PP is caused by a tumor or other lesions. The procedure will depend on the site and size of the tumor.
Ongoing Monitoring
The doctor will check your child’s height, weight, and sexual growth. This will help to note any changes or show if treatment is working.
Prevention
PP can't be prevented.
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
http://www.nichd.nih.gov
Kids Health—Nemours Foundation
http://www.kidshealth.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
About Kid's Health—The Hospital for Sick Children
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
REFERENCES:
Baron J, Barnes K. Regulation of skeletal growth. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Annual report of the Division of Intramural Research; 2004.
Cesario SK, Hughes LA. Precocious puberty: A comprehensive review of literature. J Ob Gyn Neonatal Nurs. 2007;36(3):263-274.
Papathanasiou A, Hadjiathanasiou C. Precocious puberty. Ped Endocr Rev. 2006;3:182-187.
Precocious puberty. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114717/Precocious-puberty. Updated December 5, 2017. Accessed March 18, 2020.
Puberty and precocious puberty. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development website. Available at: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/puberty/Pages/default.aspx. Updated December 1, 2016. Accessed March 18, 2020.
VN Brito, AC Latronico, Arnhold IJ, Mendonca BB. Update on the etiology, diagnosis and therapeutic management of sexual precocity. Arq Bras Endrocrinol Metab. 2008; 52(1):18-31.
Last reviewed March 2020 by Kari Kassir, MD Last Updated: 3/18/2020