Central Precocious What Expect
Central precocious puberty (CPP) is a rare condition in which a child's body begins to develop and mature at an abnormally young age, typically before the age of 8 in girls and 9 in boys. It is caused by the early activation of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which are responsible for regulating the release of hormones that control growth and development.
Symptoms of CPP can include:
* Early breast development in girls
* Early growth of pubic hair in both girls and boys
* Rapid growth in height
* Acne
* Changes in body odor
* Menstrual periods in girls
* Erections and ejaculation in boys
CPP can also lead to emotional and social problems, as children who experience it may feel different from their peers and may have difficulty adjusting to the physical and emotional changes that are happening to their bodies.
Treatment for CPP typically involves medication to stop the production of hormones that are causing the early puberty. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a tumor or other abnormality that is causing the condition.
If you think your child may have CPP, it is important to see a doctor right away so that they can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.