First published: 6 May 2021 @ 3:12 pm
The most common cause of early puberty in boys is a disorder called central precocious puberty (CPP). In CPP, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland (which sit at the base of the brain) release hormones that trigger puberty.
This occurs even though there is no obvious physical reason for it. CPP can be present at birth or develop later in childhood. It affects between 2% and 5% of all boys.
A less common cause of early puberty in boys is gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty (Gn-P). Gn-P also causes early development of secondary sex characteristics, but it occurs due to a tumor on the hypothalamus or a genetic disorder such as Klinefelter syndrome or McCune-Albright syndrome.
Gn-P affects between 0.1% and 1% of all boys. Boys who have early puberty may also have certain risk factors for CPP and Gn-P, including:
Other medical conditions
Many boys with CPP or Gn-P have an underlying medical condition, such as central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities, pituitary tumors, brain injuries, adrenal gland tumors, cystic fibrosis or chronic kidney disease. Many boys with CPP or Gn-P have an underlying medical condition, such as central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities, pituitary tumors, brain injuries, adrenal gland tumors, cystic fibrosis or chronic kidney disease.
Family history
Some boys with early puberty have a family history of early puberty. Some boys with early puberty have a family history of early puberty.
Certain genetic disorders
A few boys with early puberty have a genetic disorder that affects the genes that control hormone production. A few boys with early puberty have a genetic disorder that affects the genes that control hormone production.
Obesity
Boys who are obese tend to develop secondary sex characteristics earlier than other boys.
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