Disorders of Puberty

Abstract

Puberty is defined as the time when the onset of sexual maturity occurs and the reproductive organs become functional, and it is therefore the time when a child becomes an adult capable of reproduction. Although the terms puberty and adolescence are commonly used interchangeably, the term puberty tends to be used for the physical, and adolescence for the psychological and social changes.

Understanding precocious puberty in girls

“…Normal puberty commences from approximately 10 years onwards and usually lasts 3–4 years, with passage from one stage to another approximately every year . In Europe, the lower end of the normal range for the onset of puberty is 8 years in girls, although there are ethnic variations.…”

“…Psychological problems may arise due to pubertal levels of sex steroids, resulting in adolescent behaviour. Psychological problems can also arise from altered self‐image or the child being expected to behave appropriate to their physical maturity rather than their chronological age . In addition, girls are at increased risk of sexual abuse and early pregnancy …”

“…Psychological problems can also arise from altered self-image or the child being expected to behave appropriate to their physical maturity rather than their chronological age. 4 In addition, girls are at increased risk of sexual abuse and early pregnancy. 11,12 Investigations r The bone age is advanced, often by more than 2 years.…”

“…Puberty is described as consonant if it follows the normal sequence of pubertal changes or disconsonant if it is abnormal. Although the terms puberty and adolescence are commonly used interchangeably, the term puberty tends to be used for the physical changes and adolescence for the psychological and social changes …”