Central Precocious Puberty (CPP)
Central Precocious Puberty (CPP)
Your Guide to
Central Precocious Puberty (CPP)
Most kids want to fit in with their peers. Developing early could make your child feel self-conscious. Other people may expect more maturity because they think your child is older than he or she is.
These challenges plus the emotional changes from extra hormones can be a lot for them to deal with -- when they just want to feel "normal." Check in with the teachers and counselors at school, and keep an eye on your child's grades. Pay attention to their interest in doing things and being around friends and classmates.
How can you help? Explain what's happening in simple terms. Keep the lines of communication open.
An early growth spurt can make your child taller than their classmates and friends at first, but their bones may stop growing earlier, too. Without treatment, your child may end up shorter than they could have been.
With treatment, they're more likely to reach their full adult height. Within a year, their growth should slow to a normal rate. Their sexual development will stall and might even reverse. For example, a girl's breasts and a boy's penis and testicles could get smaller. Your child should start acting like other kids their age, too.
Studies show that children who are treated with GnRH have normal bone density. The treatment shouldn't cause problems for them having kids of their own later.
You can connect with other families whose kids are dealing with CPP. The MAGIC Foundation offers information and support for many conditions, including central precocious puberty.
Central Precocious Puberty (CPP)
Taking Care of Your Child
Your Guide to
Central Precocious Puberty (CPP)
- What Is Central Precocious Puberty (CPP)?
- Causes
- Symptoms
- Getting a Diagnosis
- Questions for Your Doctor
- Treatment
- Taking Care of Your Child
- What to Expect
- Getting Support
Most kids want to fit in with their peers. Developing early could make your child feel self-conscious. Other people may expect more maturity because they think your child is older than he or she is.
These challenges plus the emotional changes from extra hormones can be a lot for them to deal with -- when they just want to feel "normal." Check in with the teachers and counselors at school, and keep an eye on your child's grades. Pay attention to their interest in doing things and being around friends and classmates.
How can you help? Explain what's happening in simple terms. Keep the lines of communication open.
- Encourage your child to talk freely about his or her feelings.
- Treat your child appropriately for his or her age.
- Watch out for teasing.
- Do what you can to boost self-esteem. Try to focus your praise on achievements, rather than appearance.
What to Expect
An early growth spurt can make your child taller than their classmates and friends at first, but their bones may stop growing earlier, too. Without treatment, your child may end up shorter than they could have been.
With treatment, they're more likely to reach their full adult height. Within a year, their growth should slow to a normal rate. Their sexual development will stall and might even reverse. For example, a girl's breasts and a boy's penis and testicles could get smaller. Your child should start acting like other kids their age, too.
Studies show that children who are treated with GnRH have normal bone density. The treatment shouldn't cause problems for them having kids of their own later.
Getting Support
You can connect with other families whose kids are dealing with CPP. The MAGIC Foundation offers information and support for many conditions, including central precocious puberty.