Precocious Puberty (Early Puberty)
What is precocious puberty (early puberty)?
Early puberty is also called precocious puberty. Puberty is considered early in girls before the age of 8 and in boys before the age of 9. Most children with early puberty grow fast at first, but finish growing before reaching their expected adult height. If not treated, most boys will not grow taller than 5 feet 2 inches and girls often do not grow taller than 5 feet.
What are the symptoms of precocious puberty?
Signs of precocious puberty are the same as signs of normal puberty. However, each child may show signs differently. Signs of puberty include:
girls:
breasts
pubic and underarm hair
menstruation
boys:
Both boy and girls can experience the following during puberty:
What causes precocious puberty?
Early puberty may be caused by tumors or growths of the ovaries, adrenal glands, pituitary gland or brain. Other causes may include defects in the brain, spinal cord or other parts of the nervous system,a family history of early puberty, or certain rare genetic syndromes. In many cases, no cause can be found for the disorder.
Two types of early puberty include the following:
gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty
Also known as central precocious puberty. The puberty is triggered by the early release of hormones from the brain that are responsible for puberty. These hormones are called gonadotropins.
This is the most common form of early puberty, affecting most girls with the disorder and half of boys with the disorder.
gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty
This is a form of precocious puberty that is triggered by the early release of hormones from the ovaries or testicles that are responsible for puberty (estrogen and testosterone).
How is precocious puberty diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, a diagnosis of precocious puberty might require the following tests:
x-ray - test which uses a machine to take a special picture of tissues, bones and organs. A bone X-ray may be performed to determine bone age.
blood draw – to measure the puberty hormones (LH, FSH, estradiol, testosterone) and / or thyroid hormones
ultrasound (also called sonography) of the adrenal glands and ovaries and testicles -- a test which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues and organs.
gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test – a special blood draw that looks at the puberty hormone to determine the form of precocious puberty (gonadotropin-dependent or gonadotropin-independent)
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) -- a test that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
Treatment for precocious puberty
Specific treatment for precocious puberty will be determined by your child's physician based on:
your child's age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the condition
your child's tolerance for specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the condition
your opinion or preference
The goal of treatment for precocious puberty is to stop puberty from progressing. Treatment will also depend on the type of precocious puberty and the underlying cause, if known.
The medicine used to stop puberty is called Lupron. It is usually given by a shot once a month. There are a few other options for treatment of early puberty that your doctor will talk with you about.
What is the emotional effect of precocious puberty on a child?
Early puberty will cause a child's body to change much sooner than his / her peers. This sense of being different, combined with the hormonal changes can cause emotional mood swings, which may make a child feel self-conscious. Your child may feel uncomfortable about his / her body changes as well. Helping your child cope with teasing from his / her peers, treating your child appropriately for his / her age, and boosting your child's self-esteem are important steps to help your child adjust more easily.
Rev. 5/09
