How can I support a child with central precocious puberty?

Central precocious puberty (CPP) is a condition where puberty starts before age 8 in females or before age 9 in males.

CPP can cause a number of health issues. A child may grow quickly but stop growing at an earlier age, leading to a shortened stature as an adult. CPP is associated with social distress, stigma, and other negative effects on mental health. There are also potential long-term health risks, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, early menopause, and fertility issues.

However, treatment can support growth to adult height and ease the psychological and social challenges of CPP, and support from parents and caregivers can make a meaningful difference to children and adolescents being treated for CPP.

If you are caring for a young person with this condition, the strategies below may help guide you in providing support.

Work with the child’s healthcare provider

A healthcare provider will always be your best source of information. The best thing you can do for a child experiencing symptoms of CPP or any health condition will be seeking out a qualified healthcare provider.

Expect to work with several healthcare providers during the diagnosis and treatment of CPP, including a pediatrician or primary care provider, a pediatric endocrinologist, and specialty nurses. Counselors and mental health professionals are often integral members of the team.

Treatment starts with diagnosis

Treatment for CPP will vary from child to child, but treatment always begins with a careful evaluation. While most cases of CPP do not have an identifiable cause, some cases are associated with conditions like brain tumors, injuries to the central nervous system, or inherited disorders. Diagnosis involves identifying and/or ruling out any potential underlying conditions.

If an underlying condition is found, addressing it will be a priority of treatment.

CPP can be treated with medications

Medications called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists are the standard therapy. These medications temporarily delay further development. These medications can be stopped at an appropriate age, and puberty will resume as normal.

GnRH agonists can be administered in different ways. Some are given as monthly shots. Others are given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) implant, which lasts up to a year (but can be removed earlier if needed).

Again, a child’s healthcare provider will be your best source of information. It’s important to discuss the benefits and potential risks of any treatment option before beginning.

Be honest and supportive

It can be challenging to know how to talk to a child about a condition like CPP. This is another area where a healthcare team can offer guidance, and it’s worth asking a child’s healthcare providers for advice on talking about the condition.

Tips for talking to a child about a health diagnosis

• Be honest with your child about the condition, especially when they have questions or notice differences about themselves.
• Use age-appropriate language and concepts when providing answers and explanations.
• Encourage your child to be honest about their feelings, thoughts, concerns, and their experiences in school and social situations.
• Recognize that a child with CPP may experience teasing, bullying, or sexual harassment. Teach your child that being treated this way is not okay.
• Encourage good self-esteem by helping the child explore their interests and celebrate their successes.
• Avoid making comments on the child’s appearance.

Keep learning about CPP

Patient education is essential to managing this condition. Ask your healthcare providers for materials that you can read and review on your own. Keep a list of topics and questions you want to talk about with your child’s healthcare providers at checkups. Learning about the condition is a continuous process, and it should continue even after a child is diagnosed and begins treatment.

Making decisions about a child’s health can be difficult, and it’s important to take care of yourself. Cover the basics, including nutrition, good sleep habits, regular exercise, and keeping up with your own healthcare appointments. These behaviors are also an excellent example to set for a child who is managing a health condition at a young age.

Also, make time for yourself. Time to talk to a friend, take a walk, pursue a hobby or personal goal. This can help you approach health information and treatment decisions with better clarity and attention.