What is Precocious Puberty?

Puberty is considered "precocious" (early) if signs of sexual development appear before:

• Age 8 in girls (breast development).
• Age 9 in boys (enlargement of the testicles).

Why is it a problem?

• Height: Children with early puberty have an early growth spurt. They may be tall for their age now, but their bones will mature too fast and stop growing early. This often results in a short adult height.
• Emotional/Social: A 7-year-old may not be emotionally ready to handle the physical changes of puberty or menstruation.

What causes it?

• Central Precocious Puberty (CPP): The brain sends the "start" signal too early. In girls, there is often no specific cause (idiopathic). In boys, it is more likely to be related to an underlying medical issue, so an MRI is often done.
• Peripheral Puberty: Hormones are coming from the ovaries, testicles, or adrenal glands directly (not signaled by the brain).

How is it diagnosed?

• GnRH Stimulation Test: Checks if the pituitary gland has "turned on" puberty.
• Bone Age X-ray: Checks if the bones are advancing too quickly.

Can it be stopped?

Yes. If the puberty is progressing rapidly and will hurt the child's final height, doctors can prescribe Puberty Blockers (GnRH analogs).

• These are injections (monthly or every few months) or implants.
• They "pause" puberty.
• When treatment stops (at a normal age for puberty), development restarts naturally.