Why Are Young Girls Going Through Puberty Earlier?
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By Fiona Riddle
“The dramatic rise in childhood obesity rates is thought to be one of the primary drivers of early puberty.”
In recent decades, researchers have observed a concerning trend – girls are entering puberty at increasingly younger ages compared to previous generations. While the average age of menarche (first menstruation) in the early 1900s was around 14-15 years old, today it is closer to 12 years old, with some girls showing signs of starting puberty as early as 7. There are a number of factors that could be causing early onset puberty including diet, lifestyle and environmental toxins.
The dramatic rise in childhood obesity rates is thought to be one of the primary drivers of early puberty. In general, diets high in ultra processed foods (UPFs) and added sugars may influence hormonal balance and accelerate development. As discussed in an earlier post about UPFs, the percentage of calories from such foods consumed by children has progressively increased to currently close to 70%.
While the ovaries produce the majority of estrogen in women, fat cells and the adrenal glands also produce small amounts of the hormone. Fat tissue contains estrogen precursors that can be converted into estrogen through a process called aromatization and higher body fat percentages may trigger the onset of puberty.
Additionally, obesity often leads to insulin resistance, which can increase the production of sex hormones. The hormone leptin, produced by fat cells, plays a role in puberty onset as well as higher leptin levels in obese children may contribute to earlier puberty.
The composition of the gut microbial ecosystem also has an influence on the amount of estrogens in the systemic circulation. While estrogens excreted by the liver into the small intestine are mostly excreted in the stool, a variable amount gets modified by certain gut microbes into an absorbable form, which can reenter the circulation. Even though incompletely understood, the composition of gut microbes which is able to influence this estrogen reabsorption is influenced by diet.
“Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, personal care and other common products may be interfering with girls’ hormonal systems.”
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, personal care and other common products may be interfering with girls’ hormonal systems. These chemicals can mimic or interfere with natural hormones, potentially triggering premature puberty.
Bisphenol A (BPA), found in many plastics, food can linings, and receipt paper, can mimic estrogen in the body. Phthalates, which are used to soften plastics and found in many personal care products, have been shown to affect hormone levels. Certain agricultural chemicals and pesticides, especially organochlorines, can disrupt endocrine function. Pesticide residues can often be found on or in food as well as make their way into the environment.
Additionally, some flame retardants used in furniture and electronics have estrogenic properties.
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” are found in non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and some food packaging and have been associated with altered puberty timing.
“…even low-level exposure to these chemicals during critical developmental windows can have significant effects.”
Research has shown that even low-level exposure to these chemicals during critical developmental windows can have significant effects. For example, a study published in the journal Human Reproduction found that girls with higher levels of certain phthalates in their urine were more likely to develop breasts earlier than their peers.
“…there is a complex interaction between diet, obesity, and environmental toxins.”
Additionally, there is a complex interaction between diet, obesity, and environmental toxins. For instance, many endocrine disrupting chemicals are lipophilic, meaning they accumulate in fatty tissue. This suggests that obese individuals may have higher body burdens of these chemicals, potentially exacerbating their effects. It is even possible for these chemicals to be transferred to a developing fetus, which could kickstart this toxic cycle before females are even born.
“Earlier puberty onset may have negative consequences for both physical and psychological health.”
Earlier puberty onset may have negative consequences for both physical and psychological health. There is evidence suggesting that girls who begin menstruation at an earlier age may face several adverse health outcomes such as a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, miscarriage and early death. It’s also linked to several cancers, including ovarian, endometrial and breast cancer.
In terms of psychological health, earlier onset of puberty can lead to social challenges among peers as well as an impact on educational achievements possibly due to associated psychosocial stressors.
“Promoting a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity can help to combat childhood obesity.”
In order to address the growing trend of early puberty, it is important to consider diet, lifestyle and environmental factors. Promoting a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet with greatly reduced percentage of UPFs, and engaging in regular physical activity can help to combat childhood obesity. Minimizing exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and opting for lower toxicity products at home may prevent unnatural hormonal shifts. Stricter regulations on these harmful chemicals are also needed as they are now ubiquitous in the environment.
Fiona Riddle is a Certified Health Coach with a degree in Psychology from UCLA. She is passionate about a holistic approach to health when working with her private coaching clients. She is an avid cook, constantly creating and sharing new recipes on her Instagram (@feelgoodwithfi) to showcase simple clean home cooking.
✓ This article was reviewed and approved by Emeran Mayer, MD