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Precocious puberty
Definition:

Precocious puberty is premature development of body characteristics that normally occur during puberty (the period in life at which rapid physical and physiologic changes occur, including development of reproductive capability). Puberty normally occurs between 13 and 15 years old in boys and between 9 and 16 years old in girls.

Females: onset of sexual development before 8 years of age including any of the following:

  • breast development
  • appearance of axillary or pubic hair
  • maturation of the external genitalia
  • onset of menses

There is some evidence that onset of development as early as 7 years of age in Caucasian girls and 6 years of age in African American girls may be considered normal.

Males: onset of sexual development before 9 years of age including any of the following:

  • enlargement of the testes and penis
  • appearance of axillary or pubic hair
  • appearance of facial hair usually first noted on the upper lip
Alternative Names:
Pubertas praecox
Review Date: 3/5/2002
Reviewed By: Chayim Y. Newmark M.D., Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healtchare Network.

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