Precocious Puberty

Precocious puberty refers to the onset of puberty at an unusually early age, typically before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys. This condition is characterized by the early development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast growth in girls or testicular enlargement in boys, as well as accelerated growth and bone maturation.

Precocious puberty occurs when the body begins releasing sex hormones earlier than expected, triggering the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty. This can be caused by various factors, including genetic conditions, brain abnormalities, or exposure to external hormones.

Additional Information

There are two main types of precocious puberty:

1. Central Precocious Puberty (CPP): This is the most common form, where the brain starts releasing puberty-triggering hormones too early.

2. Peripheral Precocious Puberty: This rarer form is caused by the release of sex hormones from sources other than the brain, such as the adrenal glands or gonads.

While not inherently harmful, precocious puberty can lead to psychological stress and potential physical issues, such as shorter adult height due to premature bone fusion. Treatment options, including hormone therapy, are available and are typically managed by pediatric endocrinologists.