Precocious Puberty Questions & Answers

Updated: Jan 24, 2022
  • Author: Paul B Kaplowitz, MD, PhD; Chief Editor: Robert P Hoffman, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is precocious puberty?

What problems are caused by precocious puberty?

Which conditions resemble precocious puberty?

What are the types of precocious puberty and why is correct diagnosis important?

What is the role of structural abnormalities of the brain in the pathophysiology of precocious puberty?

Which CNS abnormalities are associated with precocious puberty?

How common is precocious puberty?

Is the incidence of precocious puberty increasing?

What are the global trends in the incidence of precocious puberty?

What are the psychosocial complications of precocious puberty?

Does precocious puberty have a racial predilection?

Does precocious puberty have a sexual predilection?

What is the prognosis of precocious puberty without treatment?

What is the prognosis of precocious puberty with treatment?

What patient education is available on precocious puberty?

Presentation

How is the patient history of precocious puberty characterized in girls?

How is the patient history of precocious puberty characterized in boys?

What are the physical signs of precocious puberty in girls?

What are the physical signs of precocious puberty in boys?

What causes precocious puberty?

DDX

What is premature adrenarche in precocious puberty?

What is premature thelarche in precocious puberty, and what is the nature of prepubertal vaginal bleeding?

What is the role of exogenous androgens in precocious puberty?

What are the differential diagnoses for Precocious Puberty?

Workup

When must central precocious puberty be differentiated from pseudopuberty, and what is the role of serum testosterone testing in the workup of precocious puberty in boys?

What are the stages of puberty based on testosterone level?

Which lab studies are indicated in the workup of precocious puberty in girls?

What is the role of gonadotropin testing in the diagnosis of precocious puberty?

What is the role of thyroid tests in the workup of precocious puberty?

What other lab tests are indicated in the workup of precocious puberty in girls?

What is the role of plain radiography in the workup of precocious puberty?

What is the role of head MRI in the workup of precocious puberty?

What is the role of pelvic ultrasonography in the workup of precocious puberty in girls?

What are the histologic findings in precocious puberty?

Treatment

What problems can precocious puberty lead to, and what is the role of surgical care in the treatment of precocious puberty?

What is the management regimen for GnRH agonists in the treatment of precocious puberty?

What research supports the use of GnRH agonists in the treatment of precocious puberty?

When is observation indicated in the management of precocious puberty?

Medications

Which medications in the drug class Progestin are used in the treatment of Precocious Puberty?

Which medications in the drug class Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists are used in the treatment of Precocious Puberty?