children s health issues
Early Puberty
Introduction
Early (precocious) puberty is sexual maturation that begins before the average age. The cause of early puberty is often unknown, but it may be caused by structural abnormalities or tumors in the brain. Symptoms include an early growth spurt and early development of pubic and underarm hair. The diagnosis is based on x-rays, blood tests, and imaging tests. Treatment depends on the type of precocious puberty but may include hormone therapy. 