Etymed
precocious puberty
Definition
Early onset of puberty occurring before the normal age of 8-10 years in girls and 9-11 years in boys
Clinical context
A 7-year-old girl presents with breast development and menarche. Her bone age is advanced and growth velocity is increased. The patient's mother had early puberty onset. The child's growth plates are closing prematurely, leading to short adult stature. This condition is concerning for central precocious puberty requiring gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy.
Mnemonic
P - Puberty before normal age, P - Premature growth plates, P - Parental history of early puberty