New biomarkers may distinguish early puberty types in young girls

This study looked at 143 girls under age 8 to see if two natural chemicals in the body, spexin and phoenixin-20, can help doctors tell the difference between central precocious puberty (true early puberty) and a harmless condition called premature thelarche (early breast development that doesn't lead to full puberty). Researchers measured these chemicals in blood samples from girls with each condition and from healthy controls. The goal was to find a simple test that could avoid unnecessary treatments and worry.