Precocious puberty, another name for early puberty, is a physiological condition in which sexual development begins before the normal age range. Along with the appearance of pubic hair and quick growth spurts, it is marked by the premature development of secondary sexual features such breast development in girls and testicular enlargement in boys. Early puberty is defined when these changes appear before the age of 8 in females and 9 in boys, while the average age for puberty onset varies, often beginning between 8 and 13 years in girls and 9 and 14 years in boys. Early puberty can have a diverse range of genetic and environmental contributing variables. Early puberty may also result from the early release of sex hormones caused by certain medical diseases, such as tumors of the adrenal glands or brain. The effects of early puberty might include psychological and social difficulties in addition to physical changes. Children who are going through early puberty may feel emotionally unprepared for the changes they are going through and may have trouble relating to their peers. In addition, the possibility of shorter stature because to quick bone development can be problematic. In order to address any underlying causes and manage the physical and mental effects of early puberty, it is crucial that those who are experiencing it receive the proper medical examination and, if required, intervention.
