Norton Children’s Gynecology, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, is the only practice in Louisville, Southern Indiana and Kentucky dedicated to pediatric gynecological care. Our board-certified physicians are trained to treat precocious puberty with the sensitivity that children, teens and parents need.
Pubertal aberration means the onset of puberty does not occur as it should. It may start early (precocious puberty) or late (delayed puberty).
Precocious puberty or early puberty describes puberty that begins before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys. Girls are much more likely than boys to experience this condition.
Precocious puberty symptoms for girls include development of the following before age 8:
For most girls with central precocious puberty, there’s no underlying medical problem or identifiable cause.
Peripheral precocious puberty is less common. Possible causes include:
If we suspect precocious puberty, our team will review your child’s medical history and conduct a physical exam. Diagnostic testing may include:
The goal of treatment is to stop the onset of puberty. The best course of treatment will depend on the cause.
Medication is effective for most children with central precocious puberty. Your child continues to receive this medication until he or she reaches the normal age of puberty.
If another medical condition is causing early puberty, treatment of that condition is necessary to stop the progress of puberty.