At what age does precocious puberty occur in girls, according to medical guidelines?

Precocious puberty in girls is defined as the onset of secondary sexual characteristics before the age of 8. This definition is established by medical guidelines to help identify these cases early, as they may require further evaluation and management due to the potential implications on growth and overall health. The age of 8 is significant because it marks a threshold where the normal physiological processes of puberty typically begin. Recognizing this age helps in distinguishing between typical development and conditions that may need intervention, such as hormonal imbalances or central nervous system issues. Thus, the correct choice highlights the critical age cut-off that healthcare providers use to assess puberty onset in girls.