Welcome back to The Beehive Doc talks with Dr. Blair Rolnick. Today, she addresses the increasing trend of early puberty or "precocious puberty" in children and explores potential causes. Notable factors include childhood obesity, with a correlation found between higher BMI and earlier puberty onset, possibly due to the hormone leptin. Environmental chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and phenols might also contribute, as some studies suggest their prenatal exposure is linked to earlier puberty in girls. Additionally, childhood stress and events like the Covid-19 pandemic are hypothesized to be influences, though evidence remains inconclusive.

Early puberty can lead to long-term health risks such as cancer and cardiovascular disease and negatively impact mental health. Parents are advised to consult pediatricians if they notice signs of early puberty in their children. Understanding and addressing this trend is crucial for safeguarding children's health and well-being.

Please see studies mentioned below:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33673836/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34732894/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5014756/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35466359/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30517665/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3838525/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12723990/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32372073/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27836531/

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VpKQPZYDzlg

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always seek medical advice from a qualified physician.

For Dr. Rolnick's practice and more content, visit: https://beekindpediatrics.com/