Puberty and Precocious Puberty

Puberty is time in one's life when sexual maturity takes place. Precocious puberty is a condition that occurs when sexual maturity begins earlier than normal.

Signs of normal puberty include growth spurts, acne, and the development of body hair. With precocious puberty, signs manifest earlier. In delayed puberty, signs begin later than normal.

Precocious puberty is rare, affecting about 1% or less of the U.S. population. Many more girls are affected than boys.

There is no underlying cause for most cases of precocious puberty. Causes of delayed puberty include family history, poor nutrition, and underlying medical conditions.

After giving a child a complete physical examination and analyzing his or her medical history, a healthcare provider may perform tests to diagnose precocious puberty or delayed puberty.

Treatment for precocious puberty can help stop puberty until the child is closer to the normal time for sexual development. With delayed puberty, treatment varies with the origin of the problem.

NICHD conducts and supports research on puberty and precocious puberty and on many disorders associated with puberty and precocious puberty.

NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical research projects related to puberty and precocious puberty.

Links to websites of groups that study or provide information about puberty and precocious puberty.