Study: Age that girls hit puberty keeps dropping [View All]

[theHandpuppet]

Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer

Study: Age that girls hit puberty keeps dropping

The age at which girls hit puberty continues to drop, new research from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center shows.

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Once breast development begins, menstruation typically follows within two to three years. Girls who menstruate earlier are at greater risk for breast cancer later in life.

Other health risks, including endometrial cancer, eating disorders and depression, are associated with earlier puberty and maturation. Behavioral issues, including earlier sexual activity, have also been noted.

"What causes earlier onset of puberty isn't entirely clear at this time, but we are looking closely at several different potential factors, including genes and environmental exposures, as well as how those two may interact with each other," Biro said.

Read more: http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100809/LIFE07/8090337/1062/SPT/Study-Girls-hit-puberty-sooner?GID=vZOZieIft32JHo2aM4PaRineB4lvT/ZzhDx9M1FC7Wk%3D