Source: Telegraph >> Read full article and comment
The latest generation of girls are reaching puberty before the age of 10, a new study suggests, raising fears they may also begin sexual activity earlier.
By Richard Alleyne, Science Correspondent
Published: 12:23PM BST 13 Jun 2010
Scientists have found that the average age that breast development begins is now nine years and 10 months – almost a year earlier than a previous study in 1991.
They have yet to discover the reason behind the phenomenon but believe it could be linked to unhealthy lifestyles or exposure to chemicals in food.
The study was carried out in Denmark in 2006, the latest year for which figures were available, but experts believe the trend applies to Britain.
Data from America also points to the earlier onset of puberty.
Scientists are worried that young girls are ill-equipped to cope with sexual development when they are still at primary school – and that exposure to hormones earlier could increase their risk from breast cancer…Continue reading
