Episode 245: Understanding Early Puberty: Potential Causes, Risk Factors and Concerns

The Perimenopausal Mamas Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Toni talk about the growing concern around early puberty in kids. Many are going through puberty earlier than ever and this can have a significant effect on their physical, mental and emotional development, especially for girls. Listen in for more info and some tips on how to prepare yourself and your kids for puberty, as well as setting your kids up for a lifetime of hormonal well-being.

In today’s episode, we cover:

• What it means for your kids to be going through puberty
• The difference between early puberty and precocious puberty
• Some of the research comparing when your kids are going through puberty and when you (and your grandma) went through puberty
  • A 1997 study showed that 48.3% black girls and 14.7% of white girls had breast tissue development at age 8, earlier than previously thought
  • A 2010 study reported that by age 7 10.4% white girls, 23.4% black girls, 14.9% hispanic girls had started showing signs of early puberty, and by age 8 18.3% white girls, 42.9% black girls, 30.9% hispanic girls had signs of puberty
  • A 2020 meta-analysis study showed that the average age of puberty onset globally dropped by 3 months for every decade from 1977 to 2013
• Why you might be considered about early puberty in your kids
• Potential reasons why girls are starting puberty and getting their periods earlier than ever before, including endocrine disrupting chemicals, stress, obesity and the pandemic
• What you can do to support the hormonal health of your kids, whether they go through early puberty or not
• Past episodes you can check out:
  • Episode 65 and Episode 94 with Emma Rohmann on reducing exposure to chemicals and plastics
  • Episode 244 with Rachel Einbinder on gut health
  • Episode 149 on EWG’s Dirty Dozen

Other Resources to Check Out:

• The Puberty Podcast and book This Is So Awkward by Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett
• The New Puberty book by Dr. Louise Greenspan
• Tia Slightham: Children and Parent Book Resources

Today’s Mama Must Have:

Dr. Lisa loves Ergogenics 8 Mushroom Blend Hot Chocolate

Dr. Toni is a big fan of card games – just introduced to Monopoly Deal card game, super quick and fun

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Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

The post Episode 245: Understanding Early Puberty: Potential Causes, Risk Factors and Concerns appeared first on The Perimenopausal Mamas Podcast.