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Precocious puberty is a condition in which puberty begins earlier than expected, typically before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys. It includes early breast development, pubic or axillary hair, accelerated growth, acne, and adult?like body odor in girls, and testicular enlargement, penile growth, voice deepening, and body hair in boys. In central (GnRH?dependent) precocious puberty, the brain prematurely activates the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, often without an identifiable cause, whereas peripheral (GnRH?independent) forms arise from ovarian, testicular, adrenal, or tumor?derived sex?hormone excess.

Diagnosis involves careful growth?pattern assessment, bone?age X?ray, hormone profiling (LH, FSH, estradiol, testosterone, thyroid profile), and sometimes neuroimaging or adrenal imaging to rule out tumors or structural abnormalities. Treatment aims to slow premature sexual maturation, preserve adult height potential, and address psychosocial stress. Central precocious puberty is usually managed with gonadotropin?releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues, given as periodic injections until an appropriate pubertal age is reached. Peripheral types focus on correcting the hormone source, such as removing a tumor or adjusting hormone?containing medications or creams. Psychological support and family counseling are integral to help the child cope with early body changes.