Puberty Starts Earlier Than It Used To: Exploring Genetic & Environmental Causes

The natural process of puberty is when a child's body changes into an adult. However, when this process begins before the expected age, it is referred to as early or precocious puberty. For girls, early puberty is before the age of 8, and for boys, it is before the age of 9. Early puberty can cause physical and emotional problems, such as short stature in adulthood, behavioural problems, early sexual activity, and high stress levels.

Early Puberty Causes

As a Paediatrician and Adolescent Specialist, I ascertain that the causes of early puberty can vary, and the following are the several factors that may contribute to its onset:

Rising incidence of obesity and overweight may alter hormone levels and accelerate pubertal timing. Lack of physical activity and excessive use of media can suppress melatonin levels, triggering pubertal development.

Diets rich in processed food, meat, and dairy may also contribute to early puberty by causing obesity.

Endocrine-disrupting substances (EDS), which can be found in pesticides, plastics, and other industrial chemicals, can also tamper with the body's hormonal systems and cause early puberty.

Soy contains isoflavones that can be transformed by the body into phytoestrogens, which are compounds that resemble the oestrogen hormone.

Gender can also play a role since females are ten times more likely than boys to experience central precocious puberty, gender can also be a factor.

Genetic mutations may result in premature puberty by causing the release of sex hormones.

There are two types of Precocious puberty

1. Central precocious puberty wherein the pituitary gland begins to produce hormones called gonadotropins, which stimulate the testes and ovaries to secrete testosterone or estrogen, leading to pubertal development.

2. Peripheral precocious puberty or Pseudopuberty wherein the pituitary gland is not involved, and there is a local problem with the testes, ovaries, adrenal gland, or underactive thyroid gland.

Sometimes, certain medical conditions can trigger central precocious puberty, which occurs when the onset of puberty happens earlier than expected.

Causes are equally common in boys and girls, particularly when puberty is moving along quickly. These causes can include

1. Tumours and other growths, which are often benign.

2. Hormonal balance-altering brain damage brought on by surgery or a head accident.

3. Infections of the brain.

Both central and peripheral precocious puberty can be distressing for both the child and the parents, and it is important to seek further medical attention.

What can parents do?

1. Breastfeeding is highly recommended.

2. Parents should encourage their children to maintain a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise, avoiding the obesity epidemic.

3. Non-fermented soy, especially in infant formula, should be avoided, as should exposure to hormones found in hair products, medications, and nutritional supplements.

4. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

5. Giving your child a diet high in whole plant foods rather than animal products will assist in limiting their protein intake and lowering their exposure to EDCs.

6. Eating raw, fresh food and reducing exposure to added hormones, pesticides, and fertilisers is also recommended.

7. Storing food and beverages in glass instead of plastic and avoiding plastic wrap and canned foods (which are often linked with BPA and phthalates) can also help.

8. Parents should avoid milk and other dairy products that contain genetically engineered recombinant bovine growth hormones.

9. Creating a supportive environment for your child and focusing on their achievements rather than appearance is crucial. Encouraging your child to participate in social activities and hobbies can also help.

10. Finally, parents should watch their child's growth curve for a few months and seek medical attention if there are any concerns.

In summary, the onset of puberty occurs earlier than it has in the past, and this has both genetic and environmental causes. This trend can significantly affect children's physical and emotional health, but parents can take steps to mitigate the effects and monitor their child's growth.