Home HealthTopics Health Centers Reference Library - ADAM Search NetWellnessSearch   Advanced

ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Precocious puberty

Precocious puberty

Definition

Precocious puberty is when the body changes that normally occur during puberty happen earlier than normal. Puberty is the time in which sexual and physical characteristics mature.

Alternative Names

Pubertas praecox

Causes

The exact age a child enters puberty depends on a number of different things, such as a person's genes, nutrition, and gender. The main causes of precocious puberty are structural problems in the brain and tumors that release hormones.

Symptoms

In girls, precocious puberty is when any of the following develop age 8:

  • Breasts
  • Armpit or pubic hair
  • Mature outer genitals
  • First period (menstruation)

Some evidence suggests that it may be normal for these changes to occur as early as age 7 in Caucasian girls and age 6 in African-American girls.

In boys, precocious puberty is when any of the following develop before age 9:

  • Enlarged testes and penis
  • Armpit or pubic hair
  • Facial hair, often first on the upper lip

Exams and Tests

Blood hormone levels, computerized brain scans, and abdominal scans are often used to diagnose the problem.

Treatment

Medications can stop the release of sexual hormones. Some tumors need to be removed with surgery.

Possible Complications

Children (of both sexes) with early sexual development are more likely to have psychological and social problems. Children and adolescents generally want to be the same as their peers, and early sexual development can make them appear "different." This can result in self-esteem problems, depression, acting out at school and home, and abuse of alcohol and illegal substances.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

See your health care provider if:

  • Your child shows signs of precocious puberty
  • Any child with early sexual development appears to be having social problems in school

Review Date: 8/15/2007
Reviewed By: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

ADAM Index