precocious puberty
The onset of secondary sexual characteristics before age 8 in girls or age 9 in boys, requiring medical evaluation.
Full Definition
Precocious puberty is defined as the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics at an unusually early age: before 8 years in girls and before 9 years in boys. This condition can be central (gonadotropin-dependent) or peripheral (gonadotropin-independent) and may result from various causes including brain tumors, infections, trauma, or idiopathic factors. Early puberty can have significant psychological and social implications for affected children, and medical intervention may be necessary to slow pubertal progression. Evaluation typically includes hormone level testing, bone age assessment, and imaging studies.
Usage
Usage note: Age criteria may vary slightly between sources; specify age thresholds when documenting.
In Context
- "The 7-year-old girl was referred to pediatric endocrinology for evaluation of precocious puberty." — Referral documentation
- "Treatment options for precocious puberty include GnRH agonist therapy to suppress pubertal progression." — Treatment planning