Precocious puberty

Definition

Precocious puberty is the medical term for early onset puberty, typically occurring before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys. It involves the early development of secondary sexual characteristics due to premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Precocious puberty can lead to shorter adult height due to early closure of growth plates.
2. Nutritional factors such as obesity and high-calorie diets are associated with an increased risk of precocious puberty.
3. Endocrine disruptors like BPA (bisphenol A) found in plastics may contribute to early onset puberty.
4. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing physical and psychological effects associated with precocious puberty.
5. Medications such as GnRH analogs can be used to delay further development until a more appropriate age.

Review Questions

• What nutritional factors have been linked to an increased risk of precocious puberty?
• How can precocious puberty affect adult height?
• What role do endocrine disruptors play in the onset of precocious puberty?

Related terms

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis: The hormone system that regulates reproductive function and development.

GnRH Analogs: Medications used to treat conditions like precocious puberty by delaying further sexual development.

Endocrine Disruptors:

Chemicals that can interfere with endocrine systems, potentially causing developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune issues.