Health Dictionary Find a Doctor

Precocious puberty overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Overview

Precocious puberty (Latin – pubertas praecox) is an unusually early onset of puberty, the process of sexual maturation that is triggered by the brain which usually begins in late childhood and results in reproductive maturity and completion of growth (Early puberty onset in children before the ages of 8 in girls and 9 in boys). Characteristics include early isolated pubic hair growth and early growth of female glandular tissue. Early puberty may be a variation of normal development, or may be a result of a disease or abnormal hormone exposure. In some contexts, the term is used more broadly to describe the early appearance of any of the physical features of puberty even if the complete, brain-directed process is not occurring.

Historical Perspective

Historical Perspective

Classification

Classification

Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology

Causes

Causes

Differentiating Precocious Puberty from other Diseases

Differentiating Precocious Puberty from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Risk Factors

Screening

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Electrocardiogram

Chest X Ray

CT

MRI

Echocardiography or Ultrasound

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Treatment

Surgery

Medical Therapy

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case Studies

Case #1

References

References


Template:WikiDoc Sources

Looking for the patient version?

Back to the patient-friendly article

© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH