What should you know about GnRH treatment for precocious puberty?

Precocious puberty means puberty changes begin earlier than expected. A GnRH medicine reduces the release of signals from the brain that stimulate the ovaries or testes. This may slow changes such as breast or testicular development, pubic hair, growth acceleration, or menstrual bleeding. The medicine does not erase changes that have already happened. A paediatric endocrinology team usually reviews growth, physical development, and hormone results over time.

Treatment may be given as a regular injection or through a small implant, depending on the medicine and local practice. Keep scheduled appointments so the team can assess height, growth pattern, puberty signs, and any symptoms after treatment. Tell the clinician about headaches, visual changes, injection-site problems, or new emotional or physical concerns. Ask how the dose is scheduled, how missed appointments are handled, and when treatment may be stopped.

Contact the treating team promptly if a child develops severe or persistent headache, vomiting, vision changes, marked weakness, breathing difficulty, or swelling around an injection or implant site. Seek urgent help for fainting, seizure, trouble breathing, or a rapidly worsening reaction. New vaginal bleeding or other puberty changes should be reported, because the team may need to reassess the treatment plan.

What signs show that the hormone signals are being suppressed? Which appointment and blood-test schedule should we follow? What side effects should we record at home? How will you assess growth and bone development? What should we do if an injection or implant appointment is delayed?