Why are we seeing more early onset of puberty among girls?
Have you wondered why our children seem to be getting bigger and bigger at an early age?
It is a known fact that girls mature earlier than boys. But, what startles one is the age at which this maturity occurs.
Earlier (in the 1800’s), 15 years was considered as the average age by which a girl attains puberty. However, in recent years, the age range has dropped to 12 years. Also reported is the increase in the girls attaining puberty before the age of 10 years.
Research has revealed a staggering rise in the number of children attaining puberty at an early age. It was found that by over 7 years of age, girls of different ethnicity (10% white girls, 15 % Hispanic girls and 23% black girls) showed signs of development in their breasts.
Early onset of puberty among girls is a cause for worry, due to the presence and risk of developing various associated health disorders. Early sexuality, emotional imbalances including behavioral and mood disorders and low self-esteem are some of the side-effects of puberty. Some may also be at a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer due to the prolonged exposure to estrogen.
Causes of early onset of puberty among girls:
Various studies have been conducted to identify the factors causing the early onset of puberty among girls. These researches concluded that early onset puberty was primarily caused by the presence of environmental estrogen like chemicals and obesity. Here we shall explain the roles of these factors in early puberty.
Environmental Estrogen causing early onset of puberty:
Our environment is polluted with the influx of synthetic chemicals. These chemicals are present in the air and water around, the food we ingest and the different household and body products that we use. As such, our bodies are constantly exposed to them; of which, we only know the effects of a handful of them.
Nevertheless, researches have reported a connection between environmental chemicals and reproductive hormones as is evident in the incident in Michigan, 1973. It was reported that the cattle were fed with grains contaminated with flame retardant (it can mimic the effects of estrogen). Pregnant women, who ate dairy and meat products of these infected cattle, had daughters who experienced a significantly early onset of puberty, as opposed to their peers.
Pesticides, phthalates (found in cosmetic products, plastics, PVC, food packaging etc), parabens (that is found in cosmetic products and shampoos), BPA (a component of baby bottles, toys, food packaging and tin cans) and flame retardants are some chemicals that can mimic the effects of estrogen.
Phthalates were reported to be detrimental to boys as it caused abnormal hormonal growth among them.
It was observed in a study on infants that around 90% of infants had detectable levels of the chemical BPA, in their cord blood. This was suggestive of toxic exposure even before birth. Therefore prenatal exposure to these chemicals was reported as a risk factor for normal growth and development.
The harmful effects of these environmental pollutants are not restricted to puberty alone, but may also result in development of medical conditions like reproductive cancers.
Hence it is important that we take steps to reduce our exposure or restrict our usage of such chemicals in our day to day living. As a first step, one can avoid the use of household products or body products containing these chemicals and avoid consuming food out of plastic containers.
Estrogenic chemicals in food causing early puberty
Another alarming factor is the presence of estrogenic chemicals in food. Research on infants revealed that infants fed with soy formula (soy being a known estrogen mimicker) demonstrated significantly high levels of estrogen (around 13,000-22,000 times) as compared to infants fed with non soy formula.
Ingestion of beef and diary products of cattle that were administered sex hormones and antibiotics can also be a reason for early incidence of puberty.
Obesity and puberty
Obesity is yet another factor causing early puberty. Unhealthy dietary practices like overeating and intake of junk food rich in sugar and carbohydrates relays false message to the brain such as the body conditions being optimal for reproduction.
An obese individual will have increased production of estrogen and sex hormones (this is triggered by the high levels of insulin within the body).
When ethnic groups that are prone to obesity and diabetes continue consuming a diet rich in sugar and carbohydrate, it increases the risk of developing early puberty through the occurrence of chronic insulin surges. Thus a careful and healthy diet containing whole foods and avoiding sugars can help prevent early puberty from developing.
Other factors causing early puberty:
Populations away from the equator are prone to developing Vitamin D deficiency and this is also found to be a factor for early puberty.
If you are concerned about early onset puberty in your child and would like assistance, please contact our office for more information.
Have a wonderful day!
