For most children, puberty begins around 8 years old for girls and 9 years old for boys. But in recent years, we’ve started to see puberty begin earlier – sometimes as early as age 6 or 7 for girls and age 8 for boys. This early start to puberty is often referred to as “precocious puberty.”
If this is something you’re seeing in your child, I’m sure you have questions about why it’s happening. Keep reading to learn more and get some tips on how to support the children in your life through this early transition.
Potential Causes of Earlier Puberty
There is no single cause for why puberty starts early, but one major contributor may be rising obesity rates across the United States – especially in children. Higher body weight can impact hormone levels, which play a key role in triggering puberty. And it’s no coincidence that we’ve begun to see this trend now – just a few years after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lifestyle changes like increased screen time, higher stress levels and less physical activity during that time that have carried over to today may have contributed to earlier puberty onset in some children. Some studies also suggest that exposure to certain chemicals in personal care products, like endocrine disruptors found in plastics and cosmetics, could be impacting hormone function and contributing to this trend.
A child’s environment can also play a role in early puberty. Things like diet and stress might interact with genetic predispositions to accelerate puberty timing.
It’s not only those outside factors, though. Genetics and environment play a role. Some children are simply born with a tendency toward earlier puberty, and things like diet and stress might also accelerate that tendency.
Impacts of Early Puberty
When a child starts puberty early, it can have a wide range of physical and emotional effects. Physically, children who begin puberty early may experience rapid growth and bone maturation, which could result in shorter adult stature. There’s a chance they could also face potential health risks later in life, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and even cardiovascular issues.
Emotionally, these children may feel out of place around their friends or uncomfortable in their own bodies. They may also be treated as older than they are, which can lead to confusion or anxiety. It’s important to keep in mind that early puberty can increase the risk of depression and anxiety in children – especially in girls, who may struggle with body image concerns.
Supporting Children Through Early Puberty
Parents and caregivers can play an essential role in supporting children through early puberty. Open and honest communication is key when it comes to these conversations. Remember to encourage children to ask questions and be sure to provide clear, age-appropriate explanations about changes in their bodies. Mental health support may also be necessary, especially if a child experiences emotional distress or social difficulties related to early puberty.
Overall, while earlier puberty can bring unique challenges, early intervention and open communication can empower children to navigate this phase confidently and healthily.
If you have questions, it’s important to reach out to your child’s family physician or pediatrician. If your child doesn’t have one, Northeast Georgia Physicians Group has a number of family physicians and pediatricians to fit your child’s needs.