Precocious puberty in girls can result from hypersecretion of nongonadal steroids. In such girls, there is early breast development, onset of menses, and ovulation of viable eggs. This can occur by age 7 or even earlier. Which hormone(s) and nongonadal endocrine gland(s) may be responsible? Can the responsible gland(s) be safely removed? Explain. How might this condition be treated without

surgery? What permanent nonsexual consequences may result from not treating this condition?

What will be an ideal response?


Adrenal sex hormones include estrogens. Hypersecretion of estrogen would stimulate puberty. The adrenal glands
can be removed, if cortisol and aldosterone are replaced. Drugs such as aromatase inhibitors, which block estrogen
production, may be appropriate. An effect of estrogen is stimulation then cessation of skeletal growth, which after
precocious puberty could result in shorter final stature due to premature closure of growth plates in long bones.

Anatomy & Physiology

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