Evaluating Precocious Puberty

Puberty doesn’t always follow the expected timeline. What happens when it shows up ahead of schedule? For pediatricians, the early appearance of breast development, pubic hair or accelerated growth can trigger a cascade of questions. Is this a normal variant? Should we investigate further? When is it time to refer? In this episode, we unpack the complexities of precocious puberty and explore how timely identification and thoughtful management can make a lasting difference for kids and their families. 

To create clarity, we are joined by Stephanie Hsu, MD, PhD, and Clare Parker, MD. Dr. Hsu specializes in endocrinology here at Children’s Hospital Colorado and is an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Parker is a pediatric endocrinology fellow. 

In this episode, our experts discuss: 

• The differences in early puberty between boys and girls 
• Environmental impacts that can lead to misleading results 
• Signs and symptoms pediatricians can look out for 
• Treatment options and their severity