Premature thelarche. Natural history and etiologic investigation.

The natural history of premature thelarche was investigated by contacting 46 patients with previously diagnosed cases. Palpable breast tissue had persisted for at least three to five years in 57% of these girls. Only 11% reported that the breasts had continued to enlarge. Those cases in which breast tissue had been present at birth and persisted were significantly more likely to have progressive enlargement. Comparing the cases with matched control subjects showed no relationship between premature thelarche and maternal obstetrical problems, exposure to medications, diet, or prenatal infections. Girls with premature thelarche were no more likely than control subjects to have other sexual or medical problems develop during the period of follow-up.