Precocious puberty (Early puberty)
Disease Information
Tests
How is precocious puberty diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination of your child, diagnosis of precocious puberty may include:
- x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs onto film. A bone x-ray may be performed to determine bone age.
- measurement of important hormones including gonadotropins (LH and FSH), estradiol, testosterone and/or thyroid hormones
- ultrasound (also called sonography) of the adrenal glands and gonads (ovaries and testes) - a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues and organs. These tests are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.
- gonadotropin-stimulating hormone (GnRH) stimulation test - This test can determine whether your child's precocious puberty is gonadotropin-dependent or gonadotropin-independent.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
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Precocious puberty
For most parents, few developmental milestones are more dreaded than their daughters starting puberty. The idea of their sweet, innocent little girl turning into a moody, hormonal young woman is enough to keep most moms and dads up at night. The only saving grace for some of these parents is the belief that puberty is still years away. Read more about precocious puberty.
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