Estimated duration: 5-6 minutes
We’ve all heard the phrase “they grow so fast”. However, scientific evidence shows that children are gradually entering puberty for decades. Children grow really fast.
“Over the last few decades, there has been a trend toward a decrease in the age at which puberty and first periods begin,” he said. Kathleen Timm, MD, a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Utah Health. “The average age of menarche has declined by about two to three months every decade since the 1960s. The average age of the population is decreasing by about three months every decade.”
Based on these trends, the average age at which girls reach puberty has fallen about four years since the 1920s, from early high school to the more traditional elementary or middle school age groups.
Menstruation usually occurs about two years after breast development, so for girls it tends to be sooner than 10 years. The average age for the onset of menstruation for girls today is about 12 or 12 and a half years.
– Kathleen Timm, MD,
“We now define precocious puberty in girls as breast development before the age of eight,” explains Timme. “Because menstruation usually occurs about two years after breast development, age 10 or younger is early for girls.
A body of respected studies and reports now show a worrying increase in the number of cases of premature or precocious puberty around the world, especially during the pandemic.
“Decent literature from Italy, Germany, Lebanon and Turkey and research published by the Pediatric Endocrinology Group in San Diego show an increase in precocious puberty cases and referrals, along with precocious pubertal diagnoses requiring treatment. “So it’s a trend that’s been around the world, but it’s not necessarily my personal practice.”
The continued decline in the average age of puberty and the age at which doctors alert parents and caregivers has generated much debate. Why are our children hitting puberty faster and faster, and what are the physical, social and mental implications?
Timme gives several hypotheses as to why this is happening. “We know that a lot of the timing of puberty is determined by genetics,” she says. “About 70% of the timing and tempo of puberty is related to genetic factors.”
She also highlights environmental factors, including obesity. “Certain hormones, including leptin, which are responsible for initiating the secretion of puberty hormones from the brain, are made by fat cells in our bodies. I can explain some of the reasons why
Pediatric endocrinologists like Tim also tell children that sedentary lifestyles, such as prolonged use of electronic devices and television, and less time spent playing outside and engaging in physical activity have been observed to be sitting more often.
“Exercise triggers certain hormones that can delay the release of puberty hormones from the brain,” Tim says. It could be another reason for early puberty.”
It’s not surprising that adding stress to a combination of factors, along with endocrine disruptors and chemicals in the environment that act on hormones and interfere with their normal function, can lead to premature puberty. of health professionals are concerned about the high physical, mental and social risks faced by children in early adolescence, sometimes in primary school.
“It takes a certain amount of maturity to deal with menstrual hygiene and physical development that may be different from others,” Tim says. It’s important to understand how you see things and how you feel about changes in your body.” She said early puberty was associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, eating disorders and substance abuse. As they grow taller, they emphasize support and understanding from those who care for their children.
Timme also emphasizes understanding how children adapt to adversity. “Age plays a big role,” she says. “There’s a big difference between a 6-year-old going into puberty and an 8-year-old going through puberty and figuring out their developmental stage.” occurs.
“Early pubertal development is also related to the concept of adulthood,” says Tim. “It happens when young children have bodies that are typical of older adolescents who are treated differently than their peers. These expectations are complicated in school and social settings. Precocious puberty may also be associated with earlier sexual activity, she adds.
While researchers and pediatricians seek better answers and understanding of the causes and long-term effects of early puberty, Timme encourages parents and caregivers to be aware of changes in their children.
“Some of these changes can be subtle,” she says. “Sometimes we don’t quite understand what’s going on until other signs of puberty such as body hair, body odor, and menstruation appear.”
Ultimately, the decision will be made by the family after consultation with the family. doctor and medical team, to determine when a child is too young to enter puberty. “There are definitely people recommending or prescribing drugs to suspend puberty,” Tim says, citing psychological and social concerns and some serious physical problems.
“One of the big concerns we have is the effect on final adult height. Estrogen, the pubertal hormone, causes growth plates to close.” At puberty, they may be tall for their age, but then rapidly stop growing and reach an adult height that is much lower than their family expects.
As with any stage of childhood, adolescence is a stage, not the end of the journey. However, the age at which a child goes through this stage can have lifelong effects.
“Early puberty is associated with early heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breast and uterine cancer,” says Tim. Laying the foundation for healthy adulthood is always the goal, so a better understanding and treatment of early adolescence is an essential part of ensuring that every child has a strong foundation for their future. there is.
