Aside from becoming interested in adult activities, these girls often change their peer affiliations, becoming involved with older individuals. These girls may also be at higher risk for dropping out of school early, which itself carries a high risk for bad outcomes. Of interest, cultural differences appear to regulate the differences in developmental outcomes for these girls. Boys are also at risk, however, the majority of studies have focused upon these outcomes for girls. Both growth hormone deficiency and precocious puberty can be treated pharmacologically.
Short stature is treated by the injection of synthetically produced growth hormone.
The injections are either daily or administered 3 times per week. Parents are taught to give the injections by the prescribing physician. Precocious Puberty is treated with the adminstration of Lupron Depot, typically given as a deep, intramuscular shot once every 3 months. Unlike growth hormone supplementation, Lupron suppresses the production of hormones which lead to puberty. The results are typically a ceasation of pubertal development, and often a reversal of pubertal development.