Premature sexual maturation occurs when any signs of sexual development occur under the age of eight in a girl and nine in a boy. There are three common causes. Precocious puberty almost always requires careful medical investigation and treatment.

Isolated premature thelarche is a condition of young girls which involves only breast development and usually resolves after a year or two and does not require treatment.

Premature adrenarche is a common condition between the ages of six and nine years of age with early activation of the adrenal glands involving pubic hair development, and increased rate of growth which only requires reassurance.

There are many other very rare causes of premature sexual maturation and these require the involvement of a specialist. Many of these conditions involving the early secretion of sex hormones are associated with psychological and educational difficulties which may require extra support.

Inheritance patterns
This is dependent on the underlying diagnosis

Prenatal diagnosis
None

Medical text written November 1995 by Dr R Stanhope. Last reviewed July 2006 by Dr R Stanhope, Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.

The PSM Support Group works under the umbrella of the Child Growth Foundation, from which support and advice is available.