Central precocious puberty. An overview of diagnosis, treatment, and outcome.

Central precocious puberty (CPP) is physiologically normal puberty beginning early. It is the consequence of early increased regulation of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation of pituitary gonadotropin release causing pubertal changes and accelerated growth. GnRH stimulation testing is the definitive diagnostic test--pubertal gonadotropin responses being indicative of CPP. Among patients with progressive CPP, GnRH analogue therapy is effective by decreased regulation of gonadotropin secretion. Pubertal progression is stopped, and accelerated growth rate and compromised adult height are precluded or alleviated. Outcome data have not identified unusual sequelae.