Question

Define precocious puberty.

Hint:

Precocious puberty should be managed promptly to prevent psychological issues and limit the growth potential of the child.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding Precocious Puberty.
Precocious puberty refers to the early onset of puberty, where sexual maturation begins earlier than the normal age range. In girls, puberty typically begins between ages 8 and 13, while in boys, it starts between 9 and 14. Precocious puberty is diagnosed when puberty begins before these ages.

Step 2: Identifying Key Characteristics.
The primary feature of precocious puberty is the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development, pubic hair growth, and menstruation in girls, and genital enlargement in boys.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Precocious puberty may be classified as central (due to early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis) or peripheral (due to other underlying causes such as tumors or hormonal imbalances).