Precocious Puberty: Treatment, Procedure, Cost And Side Effects

The early onset of puberty is referred to as precocious puberty. For girls, the average age of puberty is 8–13 years, whereas, for boys, it is 9–14 years. When the child gains his/her puberty before time, it is termed precocious puberty.

summary- Precocious puberty is observed in boys who are less than 9 years and girls less than 8 years of age.

Precocious puberty is distinctly classified into two following categories-Peripheral precocious puberty- triggered by estrogen and testosterone hormones. It is less common in nature.Central precocious puberty- is observed most commonly and resembles normal puberty with early onset. Gonadotropins support sex hormones release

summary- These two types of puberty are classified on the basis of the nature of puberty.

Boys and girls undergoing precocious puberty possess some easily identifying symptoms, such as-n

• Girls- menstruation, breast enlargement, growth of pubic and underarm hair, ovulation.n
• Boys- facial hairs, enlargement of penis and testicles, spontaneous erection, deepening of the voice.n
• Common symptoms in both- acne, moodiness, rapid height increase, increased aggression, and adult body color.

summary- There are some distinct symptoms in boys and girls while other symptoms are observed commonly in both of them.

The exact causes of precocious puberty are not known. There are some assumptions that are often believed to cause this disorder. They are-

• Benign tumor
• Inflammation
• Brain injury
• Infection

summary- Inflammation, injury, infection, and other growth-like tumor are supposed to be the causes of precocious injury.

Precocious puberty risk factors include-

• Obesity
• Sex hormone exposure
• Possessing underlying medical conditions
• Receiving radiation therapy for CNS

summary- These risk factors often increase the rate of precocious puberty.

For precocious puberty diagnosis, doctors utilize these procedures-

• Conducting physical examination
• X-Ray
• Lab tests
• Checking hormonal balance
• Observing the medical history of patients

summary- Patients have undergone these tests to rule out the symptoms of precocious puberty.

Complete prevention of precocious puberty is not possible. However, we can follow some steps to reduce the risk of this disorder. These are-

• Maintaining healthy weight
• Avoid external exposure to sex hormones
• Have a nutritious meal
• Drink an adequate amount of water.

summary- An accurate preventive method for precocious puberty is not available.

As soon as we address these situations we must consult a doctor-

• Breast growth
• Enlarged penis
• Spontaneous erection
• Rapid growth, etc.

summary- Early onset of puberty must be taken seriously and these symptoms must be observed carefully.

Treatment of Precocious puberty targets the normal growth and height of the child. Treatment also relies on the basis of the severity of symptoms. Treatment involves two options-

• Treating underlying medical disorders
• Wait and see approach
• Histrelin implant
• GnRH analog therapy

summary- These above-stated treatment options are advised on the basis of the severity of symptoms.

The price of precocious puberty treatment is between 2000-5000. However, It may vary too.

summary- The treatment of precocious puberty is quite affordable.

When young boys and girls experience early onset of puberty before age of 9 and 8 respectively, this situation is termed precocious puberty. It possesses easily recognizable signs and symptoms. Its treatment is also available. Overall, a positive outlook is observed regarding this disorder.