What is the Definition of Precocious Puberty?
True precocious puberty is the result of premature initiation of the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Premature release of the luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) by the hypothalamus triggers secretion of the pituitary gonadotropin hormones. As a consequence, the gonads function at an inappropriately early age. Precocious puberty per se has many subdivisions: isosexual, heterosexual, gonadotropin-dependent (true precocious puberty), gonadotropin-independent, male-limited (familial testotoxicosis), cerebral, central, and idiopathic (unknown) precocious puberty. Precocious puberty is also known as familial testotoxicosis, gonadotropin-independent familial sexual precocity, and pubertas praecox.
