Opinion: Diet and Social Stress Factors the Major Culprits in Girls Early Puberty

26 Oct 2015 --- Early puberty in girls under 10 is the new normal. There is a fast growing percentage of girls with beginning breast development at the age of 7 and even some girls as young as 6. Parents and doctors are alarmed, especially since at such a young age, girls don’t seem to feel comfortable about their changing bodies.

Many young girls are staring puberty before they are emotionally ready for the change. Around the 1900s, in the US the average menarche –when a girl gets her first period- was about 14. After the World War 2 the age of puberty was typically at 11-12 years. Especially since the 1980s has the age of puberty fallen and for increasing number of girls is now gradually declined to 7-8. Ever since the turn of the century many environmental, societal and dietary changes are occurring and by the age of 7 girls are starting to develop breasts and the onset of menstruation.

Divided by race at age 7, about 24% of black girls, 15% of Hispanic girls, 10% of white girls, and 2% of Asian girls are starting puberty. It is clear that puberty is a complex biological process and more than one variable comes into play. Too early puberty can lead to lower self-esteem, eating disorders, early sexual activity, more sexual transmitted diseases, and substance abuse.

Early puberty is also considered a risk factor for a number of degenerative diseases later in life, including an earlier onset of menopause, shorter lifespan, hormone-related (breast) cancers, metabolic syndrome, early fertility decline and cardiovascular disease.

Puberty in girls typically involves three major changes: the growth of breasts, the growth of pubic hair and the onset of menstruation. These changes are usually in that order over a period of two years.

For parents it is important to focus on their daughters’ emotional and physical health, rather than on slowing or stopping development. Often psychosocial problems of early puberty in girls arise from how parents and family members react.

There are quite a few reasons that may explain early onset of puberty. Early puberty phenomenon can be influenced by diet, obesity, chemical exposure, family stress, and hormonal. There is little doubt that overweight or obese girls are more susceptible because their body secretes estrogen –a hormone released from the ovaries during puberty and influences breast development. The excess fat stored in the girl’s body holds extra deposits of estrogen, which –subsequently- develops breasts at a very young age. 

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can also play an important role in early puberty. These chemicals are known that they can mimic hormones, including estrogen. Not only are these chemicals influencing onset of puberty, but also may disrupt reproductive organs and fertility. There are several hundreds of chemicals that people are exposed to on a daily basis and possibly a combination of multiple exposures over a prolonged time can inflict damage. For example, estrogen-mimics such as BPAs (estrogen steroid Bisphenol A). But not just chemicals, also natural feminine hygiene products such as tea tree oil and lavender are reported to have estrogen-ability in the body.

Then there are variables that the girl’s mother can somehow influence. Breast-feeding and a healthy body weight before, during and after pregnancy will delay the start of a girl’s menstruation cycle.

Since World War 2, the body weight of girls has slowly increased and especially the Millennium Generation –born between 1980 and 2004- has accelerated enormously. Sugar loaded beverages contribute to significant weight gain. The January 27 2015 report by the Harvard School of Public Health, published in Human Reproduction Journal, indicated that girls who drank more sodas were also more likely to reach puberty early, independent of whether they were overweight or not.

Family structure and bonding with parents’ is another variable that influences onset of puberty. Emotional bonding and stress-reduction at home can delay early maturation of girls. Even more shocking is the fact that a girl growing up without her biological father is twice as likely to get her period before age 12, compared with a girl living with her biological father.

As far as diet is concerned, good role modeling is important and key in improving the make-up and quality of the daily diet, including healthy school lunch programs. This in fact means drastically reducing or elimination sugary-loaded drinks and sodas, and candy while also taking a cautious approach to chemicals in food and the environment at home.

Sugary drinks with added sugar have a higher glycemic index than naturally sweetened drinks such as fruit juices and iced tea. High glycemic foods can cause a rapid increase in insulin concentrations in the girl’s body, which can cause higher concentrations of sex hormones subsequently to earlier onset of periods.

The verdict is still out when it comes to the presence of soy in the diet as to explain early puberty. There are conflicting reports that soy-based foods accelerate puberty but it is fair to say that consuming plant protein enriched diets may delay puberty. Contrary to popular belief, human evidence indicates that soy phytoestrogens are actually beneficial to health and negligible in terms of negatively affecting hormonal balances. That is to say, as long as it concerns a diet in which soy is consumed in moderation. After this point, possible IGF-1 levels (Insulin-like Growth Factor) may affect early onset of puberty in girls and might be associated with tumor growth as well.

By Henk Hoogenkamp 

The author, Henk Hoogenkamp is a protein technology expert and globe-trotting, trusted advisor for food companies, academies and contributor to leading food journals.