Precocious Puberty

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

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:

  • Breast growth
  • First period
  • Pubic or underarm hair
  • Rapid growth
  • Acne
  • Adult body odor 

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:

  • Certain rare genetic syndromes
  • Tumors or cysts on the ovaries
  • Adrenal gland disorders
  • Severe hypothyroidism

Precocious Puberty Diagnosis and Treatment

If we suspect precocious puberty, our team will review your child’s medical history and conduct a physical exam. Diagnostic testing may include:

  • Blood tests to measure hormone levels
  • X-rays to determine bone maturity
  • Thyroid testing
  • Ultrasound to examine the ovaries and adrenal glands

Precocious Puberty Treatment

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.

Related Stories

Removing pubic hair can have various health risks
A child’s first menstrual period can be especially heavy if ovulation hasn’t started
Hygiene for girls: Prevent vaginitis, vulvovaginitis
Endometriosis can start in your teens and early 20s