12th April 2024

Central (true) precocious puberty

This occurs due to the early maturation of the HPA axis and is known as gonadotrophin-dependent precocious puberty. This leads to the release of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) and subsequent production of sex steroids. The most common cause is idiopathic and familial, which is found more frequently in females because the ovaries are sensitive to secretion of gonadotrophins. Often, they have a family history of precocious puberty. It may also be due to a tumour that produces GnRH or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Other less common causes include other CNS diseases such as hydrocephalus, encephalitis, trauma, cranial radiotherapy or CNS hamartomas.