Acupuncture Improving Early Sexual Development of Girls with Peripheral Precocious Puberty: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Objective. To study primarily on the effect of acupuncture on breast Tanner stage, serum sex hormone level, and TCM symptom scores in girls with peripheral precocious puberty (PPP). Methods. 19 eligible patients diagnosed with PPP received acupuncture intervention for 12 weeks, twice a week for 12 weeks, 24 sessions of acupuncture treatment in all, and then follow-up for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in serum luteinizing hormone (LH) level, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level, and breast Tanner stage at 12-week treatment and 12-week follow-up. Serum estradiol (E2) level and TCM symptom scores were also assessed. Results. Nineteen patients with peripheral precocious puberty were treated with acupuncture. After the 12-week acupuncture intervention, the serum LH level, breast Tanner stage, and TCM symptom scores decreased significantly compared with baseline (P<0.05); the serum FSH and E2 level did not change significantly after the 12-week treatment (P>0.05). After the 12-week follow-up, breast Tanner stage and TCM symptom scores decreased significantly compared with baseline (P<0.05), and there was no statistical difference between serum sex hormone (LH, FSH, and E2) level and baseline level (P>0.05). During the period of acupuncture treatment, no side effects or serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions. Acupuncture is effective in regulating the hormone level and controlling early development process. It may be a viable alternative to the treatment of peripheral precocious puberty in girls. However, further randomized controlled trials are needed.