Precocious pubertyDefinition: Puberty is the period in life when the body changes rapidly and develops reproductive capability. Precocious puberty is premature development of body characteristics that normally occur during puberty.� Puberty normally occurs between 13 and 15 years old in boys, and between 9 and 16 years old in girls. In girls, precocious puberty is when any of the following develop before 8 years of age: - Breasts
- Armpit or pubic hair
- Mature external genitalia
- First menstruation
Some evidence suggests that it may be normal if these changes occur as early as 7 years in Caucasian girls and 6 years in African American girls. In boys, precocious puberty is when any of the following develop before 9 years of age: - Enlarged testes and penis
- Armpit or pubic hair
- Facial hair, usually first noted on the upper lip
Alternative Names: Pubertas praecox
Causes, incidence, and risk factors: The main causes are structural abnormalities in the brain and hormone-secreting tumors.
Signs and tests: Blood hormone levels, computerized brain scans, and abdominal scans are often used to diagnose the problem.
Treatment: Medications can temporarily surpress sexual hormone secretion. Some tumors require surgical removal.
Expectations (prognosis):
Complications: Children (of both sexes) with early sexual development are more likely to have psycho-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 alcohol and illegal substance abuse.
Calling your health care provider: 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
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