My son was diagnosed at age 7 due to early pubic hair, slight body odor, and mild acne.  At that time his bone age read that of an 11 year old.  He was on cortef for 4-1/2 years and finally at almost 12 years of age his bone age only read around 13-1/2 years.   I really wanted him off of the medicine and his endo agreed that we had accomplished what we set out to.    I feel, however, that it has side effects which our old endo would not necessarily admit was the fault of the medicine.  Things such as mood swings and excessive weight gain.  After reading many of the entries on this message board I am now certain he probably should have been dosed 3 times a day instead of 2  to help these mood swings.  This was never even discussed with me when I asked my endo about it.  Anyway, my son will be 15 years next month and is approx 5’7".  His current endo says he has at least 2 more growing years so we are very incouraged about his final heighth.