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Review
. 2009;1(4):164-74.
doi: 10.4274/jcrpe.v1i4.3. Epub 2009 May 2.

Precocious puberty and normal variant puberty: definition, etiology, diagnosis and current management

Affiliations
Review

Precocious puberty and normal variant puberty: definition, etiology, diagnosis and current management

Merih Berberoğlu. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol. 2009.

Abstract

This review describes several aspects of the management of precocious puberty (PP) and variants in girls and boys. PP is characterized by early pubertal changes, acceleration of growth velocity and rapid bone maturation that often result in reduced adult height. Onset of pubertal signs before the age of 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys should always be evaluated carefully. The main principles of therapy are to stop the progression of secondary sex characteristics and menses (in girls), to increase final adult height, to promote psychosocial well-being, and to treat the underlying cause if known.

Keywords: Precocious puberty; premature pubarche; premature thelarche.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Flow chart for breast development in girls
Figure 2
Figure 2. Flow chart for precocious puberty in boys

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