Learn About Symptoms and Causes
In order for you to take an active role in your child's treatment for central precocious puberty (CPP), you need reliable information. Below we provide an overview on CPP and its possible symptoms and causes. If you have any further questions, please speak with your doctor.What is CPP?
Central precocious puberty is a condition in which puberty starts too soon in children. This occurs in one child of every 5,000 to 10,000 children and is more common in girls.During puberty, the brain releases a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn stimulates a child's sex hormone production, sexual development, and physical growth. For girls, this means the growth and maturation of the ovaries. For boys, this means the growth and maturation of the testicles. Changes for both sexes during puberty include the appearance of pubic and underarm hair, and a rapid increase in height.
With central precocious puberty, the sex hormones are released early, causing the body changes that go along with the release to happen early as well.
Signs and symptoms of CPP
When they occur too soon, the following signs and symptoms may indicate CPP:- Girls develop breasts and may have monthly periods
- The penis and testicles of boys grow larger, and erections can occur
- Behavior may change; children may become aggressive or moody
- Pubic hair grows in both sexes
- Children may have oily skin and/or acne
- There is a sudden growth spurt like that usually seen in teenagers; your child may be the tallest in the class but their eventual adult height may be shorter than normal
Causes of CPP
In most cases, there is no special reason for your child's early development. It is not caused by anything you do and is not necessarily passed on from parents to children. Your doctor will perform tests to identify a possible physical cause of CPP.Read on to learn how CPP is diagnosed by a doctor, and find out about possible treatment with Lupron Depot-PED.

