Signs and Symptoms
of Central Precocious
Puberty (CPP)
CPP starts in the brain
In normal child growth development, a tiny part of the brain, called the hypothalamus, releases a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the endocrine system. The GnRH signals the body's puberty alarm clock, saying it's time to wake certain processes that prepare a young person's body for the start of adulthood.
Not every child reaches puberty at the same time. It typically begins between age 8 and 13 in girls, and between 9 and 14 in boys. But if the alarm clock goes off too early, puberty begins to happen sooner than expected.
Signs that your child's body is "waking" too early:
Girl
Boy
click on the symptoms to read more
Could your child possibly have CPP?
mood swings
Girls and boys going through central precocious puberty (CPP) may display signs of moodiness typically associated with "teen attitude."
acne/oily skin
Acne and oily skin are common in teenagers going through puberty. Does your young child have acne or oily skin?
FACIAL HAIR
The appearance of facial hair—usually growing first on the upper lip—could be a sign of Central Precocious Puberty (CPP).
deepening of voice
Typically occurring at mid-puberty, a boy's deepening voice may be a symptom of Central Precocious Puberty (CPP).
body odor
Adult-like body odor in a young child may be caused by central precocious puberty (CPP).
underarm hair
Underarm hair may be caused by central precocious puberty (CPP).
testicle growth
When a boy shows signs of enlarged testicles, it may be caused by central precocious puberty (CPP).
pubic hair
Signs of central precocious puberty (CPP) are the signs of normal puberty—they just happen earlier.
growth spurt
A sudden growth spurt caused by central precocious puberty (CPP) may lead to reduced adult height.
mood swings
Girls and boys going through central precocious puberty (CPP) may display signs of moodiness typically associated with "teen attitude."
acne/oily skin
Acne and oily skin are common in teenagers going through puberty. Does your young child have acne or oily skin?
body odor
Adult-like body odor in a young child may be caused by central precocious puberty (CPP).
underarm hair
Underarm hair may be caused by central precocious puberty (CPP).
breast growth
If a girl shows signs of breast development before age 8, it may be caused by central precocious puberty (CPP).
pubic hair
Signs of central precocious puberty (CPP) are the signs of normal puberty—they just happen earlier.
growth spurt
A sudden growth spurt caused by central precocious puberty (CPP) may lead to reduced adult height.
