In recent years, we’ve seen a troubling shift: girls are entering puberty earlier and it’s normal for their periods to take up to 4-5 years to become regular. Puberty now starts earlier, lasts longer, and comes with emotional, physical, and social challenges that most girls are just not ready for. A decade ago, the onset of puberty before age 12 was uncommon, but today, we’re seeing it more frequently—and with it, a range of long-term health concerns.
The Commercialization of Early Puberty
Big corporations have begun capitalizing on this trend. For example, Kotex has developed period products aimed at young girls, decorated with stars and hearts, and marketed in a way that normalizes periods starting as young as 8 years old. While making periods less daunting for girls is important, we must also look deeper at the causes of early puberty and the risks involved. Instead of simply accepting this as the new normal, we need to understand what’s driving these changes in our daughters’ bodies.
Why Early Puberty Matters: The Health Risks
Early puberty can lead to significant long-term health risks. Here’s what parents need to know:
- Increased Risk of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Obesity is one of the major factors contributing to early puberty, as fat cells release leptin, a hormone that triggers the pituitary gland to start puberty. Girls with higher body fat are more likely to experience early menarche. This also increases their risk of developing type 2 diabetes as they age. Fat tissue stores endocrine disruptors, chemicals that further impact hormonal balance and weight gain, making it harder for children to maintain healthy body weight. - Higher Lifetime Exposure to Estrogen
Early puberty shows girls are exposed to estrogen for a longer portion of their lives, which can increase the risk of developing estrogen-related health issues, such as breast cancer and reproductive disorders. Everyday exposures to chemicals like BPA, found in things as simple as receipts and plastic bottles, have been linked to higher estrogen levels and are a cause for concern. - Mental Health Risks
Early puberty is also linked to a higher likelihood of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. As their bodies mature faster than their peers, these girls often feel out of place socially, which can lead to emotional stress. Additionally, early exposure to hormones increases the likelihood of early sexual involvement and risk-taking behaviours.
What’s Causing Early Puberty?
There are several contributing factors driving the early onset of puberty:
- Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): These are found in everyday items like plastic containers, cosmetics, synthetic flooring, and even clothes. Chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and parabens disrupt normal hormonal development, contributing to early puberty. These chemicals are so pervasive that exposure is virtually unavoidable, but we can reduce it by making informed choices about what we use in our homes and starting with small changes in your environment.
- Rising Obesity Rates: Fat tissue stimulates the production of puberty-related hormones like leptin, leading to earlier onset. Obesity also stores endocrine disruptors, making it a double-edged sword for early puberty. Importantly, this isn’t about fat-shaming but understanding how environmental factors like chemical exposures in our fat cells are influencing puberty.
- Stress and Cortisol: Chronic stress can elevate cortisol levels, which may trigger early puberty by prematurely activating the adrenal and pituitary glands. Stressors such as peer pressure, family issues, lack of sleep, and use of smartphones can all contribute to this hormonal shift.
- COVID-19 Pandemic Impact: The pandemic has also played a role, with children experiencing reduced physical activity, increased screen time, poor sleep habits, and higher rates of anxiety and depression. These factors may have accelerated the onset of puberty for many girls during lockdowns.
Supporting Our Daughters Through Early Puberty
While early puberty may feel overwhelming, there are practical steps we can take to support our daughters’ health:
- Focus on a Healthy Lifestyle
Encourage a balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Limit sugary drinks and promote regular physical activity. - Reduce Chemical Exposure
Look for organic cotton clothing, avoid plastic containers, and choose glass or stainless steel instead. Use natural cleaning products like vinegar and essential oils, and prioritize buying organic foods-where you can, particularly when it comes to meat and dairy. - Set Boundaries for Screen Time and Sleep
Encourage a regular sleep schedule and limit screen time, especially before bed. Blue light from devices disrupts melatonin production, which can interfere with hormonal balance. - Manage Stress
Help your daughter develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress, such as mindfulness, journaling, or spending time in nature. Limit her exposure to social media, which can exacerbate peer pressure and stress. - Teach Body Literacy
Have open conversations with your daughter about her body’s changes. Let her know that puberty is a natural and normal process, and reassure her that she isn’t alone. Chat with her about the importance of you, as a mother, understanding your own cycles and what this looks like so your daughter can get a better understanding of what a cycle may look and feel like. Body literacy can help her feel empowered and less anxious about the changes happening to her.
It’s Not Your Fault
As parents, it’s easy to feel guilty when our daughters experience early puberty. However, this trend is a result of broader environmental and societal changes. You’re not alone in navigating this. While it’s impossible to shield our children from every chemical or stressor, small, intentional steps can make a difference. Remember, we all live in the same world, and none of us can be perfect—but we can strive to do the best we can with the knowledge and resources we have.
Making Informed Choices
While we can’t change everything, there are small ways to reduce exposure and support our daughters’ health. Start by switching to natural cleaning products, choosing organic foods when possible, and minimizing plastic use at home. Encourage your daughter to use natural personal care products and provide her with a glass water bottle for school. These small changes can make a big difference over time.
Having a mum and daughter attend a joint consultation is a nice way to support your daughter. Having a neutral space to have an open discussion, where we can walk through alternative options for conception, talk about pain and discomfort, and teach you how we can support your mood, energy and sleep through appropriate nutrition and supplements. Please book a 15 minute complimentary consultation to learn how I can assist you and your daughter https://the-natural-nutritionist.simplecliniconline.com/diary/steph-pearson
References:
Kaplowitz, P., Bloch, C., & Endocrinology, the S. O. (2016). Evaluation and Referral of Children With Signs of Early Puberty. Pediatrics, 137(1). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-3732
Marks, K. J., Howards, P. P., Smarr, M. M., Flanders, W. D., Northstone, K., Daniel, J. H., Calafat, A. M., Sjödin, A., Marcus, M., & Hartman, T. J. (2021). Prenatal exposure to mixtures of persistent endocrine disrupting chemicals and early menarche in a population-based cohort of British girls. Environmental Pollution, 116705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116705
Lee, J. M., Appugliese, D., Kaciroti, N., Corwyn, R. F., Bradley, R. H., & Lumeng, J. C. (2007). Weight Status in Young Girls and the Onset of Puberty. PEDIATRICS, 119(3), e624–e630. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2006-2188