Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing
In ReviewPrecocious Puberty: A Comprehensive Review of Literature
Section snippets
Precocious puberty and early sexual maturation
Puberty is a complex developmental process that begins in late childhood and is characterized by maturation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis, the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics, acceleration of growth, and ultimately the capacity for fertility (Kakarla & Bradshaw, 2003). There is evidence that girls are maturing at an earlier age and that precocious puberty is on the rise (Egli, 2003, Gillis and Schenker , 2002). Precocious puberty, seen more frequently in girls,
Endocrine disrupting chemicals
Synthetic and naturally occurring substances in the environment that affect the normal function of the endocrine system are referred to as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). An EDC is a chemical that either mimics or blocks hormones, thereby altering the normal hormone levels and endocrine function of the body (National Resources Defense Council, 1998, Wu et al., 2003). They can either accelerate or delay puberty due to their interruption in normal hormonal activity. Exposure to EDCs in
Assessment of the prepubertal and pubertal child
A comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment of the preteen girl experiencing early onset of puberty or pregnancy is of utmost importance. In addition to the usual components of a comprehensive examination, the assessment should include anatomic and physical markers as well as molecular and cellular biomarkers (Ritzen, 2003, Rockett et al., 2004, Traggiai and Stanhope, 2003). The evaluation of a girl demonstrating signs of precocious puberty requires a complete clinical history with an emphasis
Nursing care and interventions
The ACOG (ACOG, Committee on Adolescent Health Care, 2006) recommends that the initial visit to the gynecologist for health guidance, screening, and provision of preventive services should take place by age 13. Girls who demonstrate precocious development should be referred at an earlier age whenever secondary sex characteristics begin to appear. At these visits, nurses can furnish information about menstrual hygiene, menstrual protection, sexual activity, contraception, and sexually
Conclusions
Precocious puberty has physical, psychological, and social implications that are complex and influenced by many factors. A young girl exhibiting extremely early sexual development faces tremendous social stigma with probable negative effects on her health and well‐being (Mul, Oostdiijk, & Drop, 2002a). Health care providers play an integral role in coordinating services to these young patients and have the potential to influence society’s view of the developmental needs of this portion of the
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Development of precocious puberty in children: Surmised medicinal plant treatment
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2022, International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineThe m<sup>6</sup>A mRNA demethylase FTO regulates GnRH secretion in Mn-induced precocious puberty
2022, Molecular and Cellular EndocrinologyCentral Ceramide Signaling Mediates Obesity-Induced Precocious Puberty
2020, Cell MetabolismCitation Excerpt :This phenomenon, whose molecular basis remains partially unfolded, is the reflection of the strong influence of nutritional and metabolic cues on the hypothalamic centers governing puberty onset. Notably, perturbed timing of puberty has been linked also to higher disease burden later in life (Day et al., 2015; Elks et al., 2013; Velie et al., 2005), with an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic pathologies, as well as higher susceptibility to various oncologic, cognitive, and behavioral disorders (Cesario and Hughes, 2007; Day et al., 2015; Golub et al., 2008), and even reduced life expectancy (Lakshman et al., 2009). Much has been learned in recent years about the neurohormonal pathways responsible for the tight coupling between body energy status and puberty onset.