Review of precocious puberty part I: Gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty

Puberty is the process of physical maturation manifested by an increase in growth rate and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics. Precoci ous puberty is a common problem evaluated by pediatric endocrinologists, bu t the longterm implications of the decision to treat or not to treat affect the Life-long health care of these children. This series of three articles will review some aspects of the presentation, diagnosis and therapeutic op tions of precocious puberty and address the potential consequences for the adolescent and adult patient with a history of early puberty. The first of these articles will briefly discuss normal pubertal development as well as gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty.