Precocious Puberty (Premature Puberty)

Precocious puberty is marked by breast development before age 8 or testes growth before age 9. About 1 in 5,000 to 10,000 children are affected by precocious puberty, jeopardizing their growth and mental health. If you are experiencing symptoms of precocious puberty, speak with your pediatrician.

What can cause precocious puberty?

Precocious puberty can be caused by:

• Genetics

• Hamartoma or other tumors in the brain glands or in the ovaries, testes or adrenal glands

• Head trauma and radiation or infections or malformations in the brain

What are the health risks of precocious puberty?

There are several health risks related to precocious puberty, including:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Eating disorders

• Substance use

• Vulnerability to sexual abuse and harassment

How is precocious puberty diagnosed and treated?

A pediatrician will order a blood test to check your hormone levels. If you are diagnosed with precocious puberty, a doctor may recommend medication to delay further development (puberty blocking drugs).