Precocious puberty

Precocious puberty

Precocious puberty is the early onset of puberty, before the age of 8 years in females and before the age of 9 in males.

In puberty a number of hormonal and physical changes lead to sexual maturity.

Why is precocious puberty worrisome?

Because it leads to:

• Shorter adult height
• Psychological effects due to low self-esteem

There are two types of precocious puberty:

** central precocious puberty

** peripheral precocious puberty

central precocious puberty:

• Early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal access
• The brain sends signals leading to early stimulation of ovaries
• Can be caused by:

**brain injury

**infection

**tumors

**genetic causes

**head trauma

**idiopathic

peripheral precocious puberty:

• Early production of sex hormones from other places outside the central nervous system
• Causes:

** gonadal tumors or adrenal tumors

**hormonal imbalance

**genetic disorders

Signs of precocious puberty:

• Early development of secondary sexual characteristics like the breasts
• Accelerated growth followed by early closure of bones leading to subsequent short stature
• Armpit or pubic hair
• Menstruation before the age of 8 years in females

Diagnosis:

• Physical exam revealing early sexual development
• Blood tests to measure pituitary and ovarian hormones
• MRI to check for structural abnormalities in the brain or organs
• X-rays of the wrist to check on bone maturity

Treatment:

• central precocious puberty: suppression of hormones releases from the brain
• peripheral precocious puberty: surgery for tumors, medications to block hormonal production
• in cases of genetic diseases, it is better to have genetic counselling

it is important to address the condition as early as possible due to the possible detrimental effects on the emotional and psychological health of children and their families.

Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist