Page 134 - Urological Health

Testing

Blood tests may be needed to find the cause of delayed puberty. X-rays of the bones are also used to
assess the growth in relation to puberty.

Precocious puberty
In precocious puberty, pubertal changes begin early — before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys.
Although early puberty can be a normal variation, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health
problem.
Bone growth may stop prematurely in precocious puberty, resulting in short stature.

Emotional problems are also common.
Signs of precocious puberty:
In girls:
• Breast development
• Onset of menstruation (periods)
In boys:
• Enlargement of the testicles or penis
• Facial and genital hair development
• UNDER REVIEW
Voice changes

Causes of precocious puberty

Precocious puberty is generally caused by early and excessive production of sex hormones.The source
of these hormones may be the brain, ovaries or testicles. In rare cases the hormones could be produced
by a tumour. Sometimes the cause of precocious puberty may not be known. Also being overweight
can contribute to early maturation of body development.

How is precocious puberty diagnosed?

After a physical exam, the following tests may also be needed:
• An X-ray of the hand and wrist to determine the level of maturation of the growth centers
• Blood tests to measure hormone levels

• An ultrasound of the adrenal glands or the ovaries or testes
• An MRI scan to take detailed images of structures within the body or brain
• A hormone stimulation test to determine the form of precocious puberty
The treatment of this condition depends on the cause.

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