How many children are affected by/at risk of precocious puberty?
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Precocious puberty affects about 1% of the U.S. population1 (roughly 3 million children). Many more girls are affected than boys. One study suggests that African American girls have some early breast development or some early pubic hair more often than white girls or Hispanic girls.
Who is at risk?
There is a greater chance of being affected by precocious puberty if a child is2:
- Female
- African American
- Obese
- The Hormone Foundation. (2008). Precocious puberty. Retrieved June 7, 2012, from http://www.hormone.org/Resources/Growth/upload/bilingual_precocious_puberty.pdf (PDF - 46 KB) [top]
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2011). Precocious puberty: Risk factors. Retrieved June 5, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/precocious-puberty/DS00883/DSECTION=risk-factors [top]
Last Updated Date: 11/30/2012
Last Reviewed Date: 11/30/2012