Why are the risks of precocious puberty?

Emotional: Early puberty can cause tall stature, but rapid bone maturation can cause linear growth to cease too early and can result in short adult stature. The early appearance of breasts or menses in girls and increased libido in boys can cause emotional distress for some children.

Health Risks: Puberty occurs when the body begins to produce large amounts of sex hormones. Early puberty in girls is linked to a greater risk for developing eating disorders and depression. As adults, these girls are at greater risk for developing breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and high blood pressure.

Psychological: Precocious Puberty presents a problem for young girls from a psychological perspective since they are not equipped to deal with the changes that occur. It can be very difficult on a young girl to develop breasts, pubic/underarm hair, and begin menstrual bleeding before her peers.

 

How can we try to prevent early puberty?

Genetics can play a role in early development in children, but more often than not, it's diet, lifestyle and environmental factors that are more likely the bigger causes.

Here are THREE tips Dr.Raskin offers her patients to help them avoid environmental toxins and hormone-mimicking chemicals.

1. Eat Organic foods that are free of synthetic hormones or pesticides and limit your intake of processed foods. (especially canned foods)

2. Read the labels on your household products

3. Incorporate exercise and physical activity in your child's day to day activities You can protect your health and the health of your family by paying closer attention to your lifestyle choices in general.

 

About Dr. Raskin
Dr. Kenneth Raskin received his undergraduate from the University of California in 1990. Dr. Raskin later graduated from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1994. He completed his internship and fulfilled his Residency in Obstetrics/Gynecology at the University of Oklahoma Health Service Center.