Precocious Puberty

Precocious puberty is defined as the development of secondary sexual characteristics - breast development and pubic hair - before the age of eight. This is usually due to increased levels of the hormones FSH and LH secreted by the pituitary, which stimulate the ovary. Many cases have no underlying cause, and it may be a familial trait (if your mother went through puberty early, so may you). Some instances may be associated with brain abnormalities such as congenital hydrocephalus (see brain movement disorders in the head section) or following injury or surgery. More rarely precocious puberty can result from tumours of the adrenal gland or the ovary, and will need investigation.
 
 
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