Precocious puberty and normal variant puberty: definition, etiology, diagnosis and current management

J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol. 2009;1(4):164-74. doi: 10.4274/jcrpe.v1i4.3. Epub 2009 May 2.

Abstract

This review describes several aspects of the management of precocious puberty (PP) and variants in girls and boys. PP is characterized by early pubertal changes, acceleration of growth velocity and rapid bone maturation that often result in reduced adult height. Onset of pubertal signs before the age of 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys should always be evaluated carefully. The main principles of therapy are to stop the progression of secondary sex characteristics and menses (in girls), to increase final adult height, to promote psychosocial well-being, and to treat the underlying cause if known.

Keywords: Precocious puberty; premature pubarche; premature thelarche.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast / growth & development
  • Child
  • Female
  • Gonadotropins / physiology
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / complications
  • Male
  • Puberty / physiology
  • Puberty, Precocious / diagnosis*
  • Puberty, Precocious / etiology
  • Puberty, Precocious / physiopathology
  • Puberty, Precocious / therapy
  • Reference Values

Substances

  • Gonadotropins