Isolated Precocious Puberty

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Abstract

Incomplete or isolated precocious puberty is defined as partial sexual development that is transient and occurring in the absence of other stigmata of puberty. It encompasses isolated breast development (premature thelarche), isolated pubic hair appearance (premature adrenarche or pubarche), and isolated uterine bleeding (premature menarche). Isolated pubertal signs may be seen in prepubertal girls 1–4 % of the time. The major underlying theme in the setting of isolated pubertal signs includes an absence of increased linear growth or advanced skeletal maturation. In addition, baseline hormonal values are typically within the normal range for age and sexual development. There may be slow progression, stabilization, or waning over the course of time following the diagnosis of isolated precocious puberty. It is important to recognize the condition and follow up at appropriate intervals as approximately 20–30 % of cases may progress to central precocity. Nonetheless, 2/3 of patients will not progress and eventually experience puberty and growth at the normal expected time without sequelae.

Keywords

Isolated premature thelarche Isolated premature pubarche Isolated premature menarche 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2014

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonUSA

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