Precocious Puberty

Precocious puberty is the onset of secondary sexual characteristics before age 8 in girls and age 9 in boys. Classification: central (GnRH-dependent, true precocious puberty - early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis) and peripheral (GnRH-independent - from gonadal/adrenal tumors, McCune-Albright, exogenous sex steroids, hCG-secreting tumors). Clinical: early breast/testicular enlargement, pubic hair, growth spurt, advanced bone age, compromised adult height. Treatment: identify/treat peripheral cause; long-acting GnRH analog for central precocious puberty to preserve adult height; psychosocial support.

Common Symptoms

Early breast/testicular enlargement; pubic/axillary hair; growth spurt; body odor; menses (girls); advanced bone age

Causes and Pathogenesis

Central: premature GnRH pulse onset (idiopathic, CNS lesion). Peripheral: autonomous sex-steroid production (gonadal/adrenal tumor, McCune-Albright, exogenous hormone, hCG source).

Treatment

Treat underlying lesion (resection); GnRH analog (leuprolide) for central; medroxyprogesterone/ketoconazole for peripheral; monitor growth/bone age

Preventive Measures

Early pediatric evaluation of early sexual development; avoid exogenous estrogen/androgen exposure; bone-age monitoring.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Endocrinology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.