In the journey of growth and development, puberty is a significant milestone for every child. However, this process appears to be starting earlier than usual in many girls today. The early onset of puberty, also known as precocious puberty, is becoming a growing concern globally. Precocious puberty causes a child’s body to start changing into that of an adult too soon, bringing physical, emotional, and psychological changes that can be challenging for young girls. Questions arise all the time: Why is this happening? Is it genetic, environmental factors, or perhaps the foods they eat? While genetics play a considerable role, environmental factors, lifestyle changes, and, more importantly, the food they eat significantly impact what causes early puberty in females.
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What is early puberty and its signs?
Precocious puberty symptoms, or signs of early puberty, refer to the start of puberty before age 8 in girls. Some of the early puberty symptoms in girls include the development of breasts, growth of pubic and underarm hair, rapid height growth, and the onset of menstruation. These signs of precocious puberty indicate the body’s accelerated pace toward maturity, often causing emotional and psychological challenges alongside physical changes.
Potential consequences of early puberty in girls
Early puberty in girls is not just a matter of physical development. It carries several potential consequences impacting the child’s psychological, social, and overall health. Similarly, early maturers may have psychosomatic symptoms, including abdominal pain, sleep disturbances, headache, stomach upset, heart palpitations, tremors, and breathlessness. Some studies have mentioned early puberty in girls may have a higher risk of developing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, often due to the psychological effects of pubertal changes. Certain types of cancer, particularly breast and ovarian cancer, are due to prolonged exposure to estrogen.
Early puberty in girls is not just about physical changes but also emotional and psychological changes that can be difficult for young girls to handle. These may include confusion, embarrassment, and isolation, as they may not understand why their bodies are changing earlier than their peers. Open communication is essential to manage the psychological effects in girls due to early puberty. Parents should talk to girls about the changes in girls puberty and reassure them that it is natural. Additionally, professional help from psychologists or counselors can also be beneficial for puberty education for girls.
Why so many girls are hitting puberty early?
Most girls enter puberty between the ages of 8 to 13 years. However, the pre pubescent age has seen a shift, with early puberty in girls increasing dramatically compared to the last decades. In the United States, what age puberty starts has become a common question as puberty in girls has been seen even before age 8. There is a big question: Why so many girls are hitting puberty early?
An increasing number of girls are hitting puberty early, which is alarming. Several published peer-reviewed literature have mentioned a combination of factors, including genetic, lifestyle, and environmental influences, as precocious puberty causes. These factors are being scrutinized to understand what causes early puberty in females and how to address this trend. Genetic predisposition, environmental, and nutritional factors have been linked to early puberty in girls. Similarly, endocrine-disrupting chemicals in everyday products like plastics and cosmetics can interfere with hormones; obesity and higher body mass index (BMI) may also lead to early puberty.
Similarly, higher body mass index (BMI) has been associated with earlier puberty. However, a significant amount of evidence points towards the choice of foods and dietary habits as a major cause of early puberty in girls. Certain foods can cause early puberty in girls.
The link between food and early puberty in girls
A single factor does not cause precocious puberty. The nervous and hormonal systems that control the onset of puberty are complex, but research has identified several environmental and lifestyle factors that may contribute to age decline. However, ‘Does the food that cause early puberty in girls?’ is a big question for many parents. Different scientific studies are investigating the dietary factors among the causes of early puberty. Studies have suggested that certain dietary elements can trigger early puberty in girls. Therefore, foods are a critical component linked to earlier puberty in girls. Following are the foods and products that may cause early puberty in girls.
Red meat
Consumption of higher animal protein, such as red meat (beef, goat meat) in children may have an increased chance of triggering early-age menarche.
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition by Jansen Erica group at the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan studied the association between intake of red meat and age of menarche. This study concluded that higher meat intake frequency during childhood is associated with early menarche in girls.
High-fat foods and drinks
We consume various foods that can contain different levels of fat, which may increase the risk of obesity. Some foods, particularly highly processed foods and those from animal sources, are examples of high-fat-containing foods that can increase estrogen levels. Consumption of extra fats quickly contributes to abnormal weight gain. High-fat levels in the body can alter the hormones insulin, leptin, and estrogen, potentially increasing obesity risk. Consumption of high-fat diets, mainly processed foods, can lead to increased body fat, high leptin levels, and the onset of early puberty in girls. Therefore, excess body weight or obesity in girls may increase the chance of early puberty.
A study by Lie and Group 2021 published in BMC Pediatric Journal investigated whether overweight and obesity in childhood increase central precocious puberty in 846 children. This study concluded prolonged overweight and obesity in early childhood may have precocious puberty.
Food and drink with high sugar.
Different scientific studies have proved that the consumption of food and drinks containing high sugar is linked to excessive weight gain, which can trigger early puberty in girls. Similarly, sugar intake triggers insulin production and release in the body, contributing to the link between obesity and obesity. Consuming high sugar can cause insulin resistance over time, leading to abnormal weight gain, and Insulin resistance may trigger early puberty.
A study published in Frontiers in Public Health in 2022 examined the effect of sugar-sweetened beverages intake on pubertal development. This study concluded that sugar-sweetened beverages were associated with early puberty.
Food and drinks in plastic product
Bisphenol (BPA) chemicals in plastic products may trigger early puberty. Those plastic products are water bottles, food storage containers, beverage cups, and cans. Therefore, continued use of those plastic products in storage, food delivery, and water and beverage delivery may trigger early puberty in girls.
Chemicals and pesticides in foods
Some studies reported certain chemicals and pesticides in foods may be associated with early puberty in girls, which is sometimes referred to as precocious puberty in infants. At the same time, other reports observed delayed sexual development in both boys and girls. These studies and the effect of earlier puberty have been observed across various countries.
Dairy Products
There are no consistent scientific results on consuming large amounts of dairy products that may be linked to early menarche. However, A study published in PLoS One by Andrea S. Wiley in 2011 assessed whether there is a positive association between childhood milk consumption and the likelihood of early menarche. This study concluded there is some evidence that milk intake may increase the risk of a lower age at menarche.
Another study conducted by Audrey J Gaskins at the Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in 2017, which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, evaluated the relation of dairy intake to breast density at tanner stage and menarche age in Chilean girls. The results of this study stated that artificially flavored milk-based drink is associated with a higher percentage of breast fibro glandular volume.
Can hormones in animal products cause early puberty in girls?
Animal products and their potential effects on human health, including early puberty in girls, have been debated and researched. Humans and other animals naturally produce hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, essential in growth, development, and reproduction. Similarly, some animal production facilities use hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and synthetic versions (zeranol, acetate, and trenbolone) to promote growth and improve feed efficiency. However, these hormones are carefully regulated, and hormone levels blood tests are often conducted by the concerned organization/government to monitor estrogen levels and other puberty hormones.
The potential impact of hormones in animal products on early puberty is still a matter of scientific investigation. However, some studies have suggested the possible association between animal products and early puberty in girls, with hormone levels blood tests indicating changes in estrogen levels and other puberty hormones. However, more scientific studies are needed to establish a concrete conclusion.
Gut microbiota and early puberty in girls
Gut microbiota, a diverse community of microorganisms in the digestive tract, plays a pivotal role in maintaining hormonal balance, which is essential for overall health. There is a growing body of research that suggests a fascinating connection between the composition of gut microbiota and the onset of early puberty in girls, hinting at the potential for estrogen therapy to address imbalances. The intricate relationship between gut bacteria and the endocrine system may influence the production and metabolism of estrogen, a hormone intricately involved in puberty. Disruptions in the delicate equilibrium of the gut microbiome could potentially impact the timing of puberty. While the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship are still being elucidated, understanding these connections may be crucial for developing novel interventions that promote healthy microbial communities and mitigate early puberty risk.
How to prevent early puberty in girls through diet and Foods?
While preventing early puberty might not be entirely within our control, dietary changes can serve as an early puberty treatment, delaying and managing its onset. Early puberty is a significant and alarming consequence, potentially increasing the risk of breast cancer in adulthood. Moreover, girls aged 7-8 may not be emotionally or psychologically equipped to handle this situation, leading to an increased risk of psychological problems such as anxiety, eating disorders, and depression. As a parent, you can delay early puberty and address precocious puberty treatment by
Limit processed foods
Processed food is a known contributor to obesity risk and weight gain in children, so it’s beneficial to encourage dietary changes that reduce their intake of processed foods like pizza, chips, French fries, and sugary drinks. Instead, their diet includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as green vegetables, squash, corn, carrots, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, nuts, and avocados.
Monitor protein intake to prevent early puberty in girls.
While protein is essential for growth, excessive consumption of animal protein could potentially trigger early puberty. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor your child’s protein intake. Girls’ diets should include plant-based diets rather than more animal proteins. Have varieties of natural plant-based foods such as beans, green vegetables, corn, carrots, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, nuts, avocados, fruits, or whole grains.
A review article published in Nature Review mentioned that vegetable protein intake showed delayed pubertal onset of up to 7 months compared with the highest animal protein intake.
Reduce the dairy product.
Try to reduce the Dairy products in your child’s diet as much as possible. You can encourage them to have almond and hemp milk.
Pesticides and chemical
Pesticides and harmful chemicals in food are a public health concern and may contribute to early puberty in girls. Therefore, you can buy organic products to avoid these chemicals if possible. However, not all people can afford it.
Encourage physical exercise
Physical exercise is always helpful to prevent early puberty in girls. Therefore, you can encourage your children to do physical activities.
However, it’s important to note that none of the above dietary factors act in isolation. A combination of nutritional influences and dietary factors partially directs the timing of puberty, indicating the complexity of this developmental process.
Summary
Most girls enter puberty between the ages of 8 and 13 years. Early onset puberty in girls is a growing concern with potential consequences for their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle changes all contribute to early puberty, but the food they eat plays a significant role in the onset of early puberty. Certain dietary elements, such as red meat and high-fat foods, have been linked to triggering precocious puberty in girls. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring and promoting healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices to prevent what causes early puberty in females and its associated challenges.
However, each child is unique, and their growth and development should not be compared, as doing so may lead to self-esteem issues. It is essential to provide them with a supportive and understanding environment as they navigate these changes.
Physical exercise is always helpful to prevent early puberty in girls. Therefore, you can encourage your children to do physical activities.
