Precocious puberty is characterized by the onset of secondary sexual characteristics before what age?

Precocious puberty is defined as the development of secondary sexual characteristics occurring earlier than the age at which they are typically expected to occur. For girls, this onset is characterized by the appearance of breast tissue or pubic hair before the age of 8, while for boys, testicular enlargement or pubic hair development before the age of 9 constitutes precocious puberty.

The correct answer identifies age 8 for girls and age 9 for boys as the threshold ages for when the onset of secondary sexual characteristics classifies as precocious puberty. Understanding these age benchmarks is crucial for healthcare providers in recognizing early onset of puberty, which can have various physical, psychological, and social implications for the affected individuals.

This knowledge helps guide further evaluation, management, or referral if necessary, ensuring that children showing signs of precocious puberty receive appropriate care and monitoring.