Precocious Puberty
Alternate Names : Sexual Precocity
What are the treatments for the condition?
Children with CPP may be treated if their bone age is 2 years more advanced than their chronological age. Injections of long-acting GnRH agonists, such as histrelin, can be given. These injections cause sexual development to stop. The normal growth rate returns. Girls can be given this treatment until they are between 11 and 12 years old. Boys can be given this treatment until they are between 12 and 13 years old.
Children who have precocious puberty for reasons other than CPP need to have the primary disorder treated. This can include:
cortisol to treat adrenal gland disorders
removal of a tumor
thyroid hormone replacement for those with hypothyroidism
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Some girls with CPP will have vaginal bleeding about 2 weeks after the first injection of a GnRH agonist. This bleeding usually does not recur.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Because their growth and sexual development is advanced, some children with precocious puberty may feel isolated from their peer group. Frank and early discussion about their condition and body image may be reassuring. Parents and other concerned adults should be alert to signs that the child is having difficulty coping.
How is the condition monitored?
Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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