Summary about Disease
Precocious puberty is a condition in which a child's body begins changing into that of an adult (puberty) too early. Puberty is considered precocious when it begins before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys. It involves the development of secondary sexual characteristics and can impact growth and emotional development.
Symptoms
Symptoms in girls may include: breast growth, first menstrual period, and pubic or underarm hair. Symptoms in boys may include: enlarged testicles and penis, deepened voice, facial hair, and pubic or underarm hair. Both genders may experience rapid growth spurt, acne, and adult body odor.
Causes
In many cases, no specific cause can be identified (idiopathic). In some cases, precocious puberty is caused by: tumors in the ovaries, adrenal glands, or pituitary gland; central nervous system abnormalities; genetic syndromes; or exposure to external sources of estrogen or testosterone.
Medicine Used
Treatment often involves medications called GnRH analogs (gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs). These medications, such as leuprolide acetate, triptorelin, or histrelin, are typically administered via injection or implant and work by suppressing the production of sex hormones. This halts or reverses the progression of puberty.
Is Communicable
Precocious puberty is not communicable. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
There are no specific general precautions to prevent precocious puberty, as the cause is often unknown. However, minimizing exposure to external sources of sex hormones (e.g., some creams or medications) might be prudent.
How long does an outbreak last?
Precocious puberty is not an outbreak; it is a condition that develops over time. Without treatment, the physical changes associated with precocious puberty will continue to progress until the child reaches full sexual maturity earlier than expected. The duration of treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and the child's response to medication.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, a review of medical history, and hormone level testing (blood tests). A bone age X-ray is performed to assess skeletal maturation. In some cases, imaging studies (MRI) of the brain may be necessary to rule out tumors or other abnormalities. A GnRH stimulation test may also be done.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies significantly from child to child. It begins with the appearance of initial signs (e.g., breast development in girls, testicular enlargement in boys) and progresses gradually, with other secondary sexual characteristics developing over months to years. The speed of progression also varies.
Important Considerations
Precocious puberty can have significant psychological and social implications for children. Early treatment can help to prevent short adult stature and reduce the emotional distress associated with developing physically faster than their peers. Regular follow-up with an endocrinologist is essential to monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust medication dosages as needed.