Precocious pseudo-puberty

Last updated: Friday, 24, December, 2010
CausesAppropriate Tests

Sexual maturation prior to 8 years (female) or 10 years (male); gonadal development remains consistent with chronological age.

See also Precocious puberty

Females

Oestradiol. If virilisation is present: testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate.

Granulosa cell tumour

Thecal cell tumour

McCune-Albright syndrome

Ovarian follicular cysts (oestrogen-secreting)

Hypothyroidism

Adrenal tumour 

May be feminising or virilising.

Exogenous oestrogens 

Ingested as drug, or in adulterated food.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (virilising) 

17-Hydroxyprogesterone.

Ovarian tumour (virilising)

Males

Testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, androstenedione.

ßhCG-secreting tumour 

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta subunit).

  • Hepatoblastoma 

Alpha fetoprotein.

  • Leydig cell tumour

Hypothyroidism

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia 

17-Hydroxyprogesterone.

McCune-Albright syndrome

Familial testotoxicosis

 A rare disorder of the LH receptor, with normal androgen levels.