What is central precocious puberty?

In general, central precocious puberty, also known as true or complete precocious puberty, refers to the early development of secondary sexual characteristics in children before the normal age of maturation. This occurs due to premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to an early rise in sex hormone levels. The following provides a detailed analysis:

Central precocious puberty is a condition characterized by abnormal pubertal development in children, resulting from premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the consequent early appearance of secondary sexual characteristics. If girls show signs such as breast development before age 8, or boys show testicular enlargement before age 9, it may indicate this condition. The causes are complex; some cases are associated with central nervous system abnormalities, such as hypothalamic hamartomas or sequelae of encephalitis, while others may be influenced by factors like obesity or prolonged exposure to hormone-containing foods or products, which can trigger the body's pubertal development program prematurely.

Daily management should include adjusting dietary habits—reducing intake of fried foods, sugary beverages, and off-season fruits and vegetables—to avoid additional hormonal stimulation. Ensuring sufficient physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce obesity-related risks. Maintaining regular sleep patterns and avoiding late nights is important for endocrine stability. Parents should closely monitor their child's physical development, schedule regular growth and development check-ups, and seek timely medical evaluation and professional guidance if any abnormalities are detected.