Precocious puberty in girls adopted from developing countries

Nineteen girls adopted from developing countries were referred for signs of idiopathic precocious puberty. After adoption, the 'catch up in linear and weight growth, together with improved nutritional and psychological conditions, may trigger the onset of puberty. Precocious puberty is a frequent and unnatural event in these girls. Treatment with gonadotrophin releasing analogues is indicated in patients diagnosed early, and when height prediction is poor.