Published October 07, 2012| FoxNews.com
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Children grow up fast – every parent knows that. But in modern
America the speed of growth isn’t just about the years flying by too quickly.
What if you discovered that your 6-year-old was already developing pubic hair?
Or your 8-year-old daughter was already developing breast buds? It can be a
very scary experience as a parent. There is a lot for parents (and patients, as
they come of age) to understand about precocious puberty.
About precocious puberty
Recent studies have shown that puberty is occurring in children at
a very early age. Young girls as young as 8 years old may experience normal
breast development and pubic hair. As of 2010, two times as many girls were
experiencing early puberty compared to a decade ago. However, in some cases,
children as young as 6 and 7 years old – or younger – may experience these
symptoms, a condition known as precocious puberty.
What’s causing the problem?
Scientists have linked the trends in early puberty to several
different factors. Society has begun moving at a faster and faster pace -
convenience foods and ready-made products have become a regular part of
everyday life. These conveniences, however, are one of the most obvious links
to early puberty.
The FDA currently allows six hormones in the food supply,
including estradiol, estriol, testosterone and progesterone – the sex hormones
that can accelerate the age at which puberty occurs. The obesity epidemic
plays a role as well. Estrogens are made and stored in fat tissue – increasing
exposure in overweight and obese children.
And, of course, toxins found in everyday products can be a culprit
as well. Household products like hand soap, shampoos, cosmetics and cleaning
products contain chemicals - namely parabens - that are known as xeno estrogens
and can mimic estrogen in the body, increasing the likelihood of early puberty.
What are the treatment options?
In most cases of precocious puberty, a monthly injection of a
medication, such as leuprolide, is a sufficient treatment. This drug delays
development until the child reaches the normal age of puberty. Upon
discontinuation of the medication, the process of puberty will resume as
normal.
In rare cases, the early onset of puberty may be linked to a tumor
on the adrenal glands. This tumor may be surgically removed and stop the
progression of puberty.
What can you do right now?
You can slow or eliminate the impact that early exposure to excess
hormones has on your kids by changing a few every day habits. Not only will you
improve their health at this young age, but you will teach them how to live a healthy
lifestyle throughout their lifespan and reduce the increased risk of disease
that accompanies early onset puberty.
1. Go green. Choosing organic foods or,
even better, shopping at the local farmers market will cut down on the chemical
exposure and processing of your food. Cut down on the chemicals in your home by
cleaning with natural substances, like vinegar and lemon juice. These are
equally effective and non-toxic.
2. Read product labels. Spend time reading labels
when choosing foods, household cleaners, shampoos, soaps and cosmetics. Avoid
products with a lengthy chemical list and be on the lookout for the most common
culprits of bodily harm, like parabens, ingredients ending in “-eth,” sodium
lauryl or laureth sulfate, triclosan and triethanolamine (TEA).
3. Exercise. Get your child involved in
an active lifestyle. Take walks together as a family, encourage participation
in recreational sports, take your kids to jump rope or play tag at the park.
Physical activity can help your child with weight management and further reduce
exposure to hormones.
 |
| Dr. Jennifer Landa |
Dr. Jennifer Landa is Chief Medical Officer of BodyLogicMD
, the nation's largest franchise of physicians
specializing in bioidentical hormone therapy. Dr. Jen spent 10 years as a
traditional OB-GYN, and then became board-certified in regenerative medicine,
with an emphasis on bio-identical hormones, preventative medicine and nutrition.
She is the author of "The Sex Drive Solution for Women."Source:
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/10/05/hidden-hormones-can-bring-about-early-puberty-in-kids/#ixzz2Px16moYn
This document is provided for reference purposes only and not necessarily reflect the opinion of bynaturael’s team . Train your mind to test every thought and keep on searching the final truth that satisfies the conscience inside you.
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