In recent years, there’s been a growing concern among health professionals about the trend of early puberty, especially in girls. The phenomenon is not only a matter of physical development but also carries potential long-term health implications. One of the suspected culprits behind this trend is the exposure to certain chemicals commonly found in personal care products.
In May, a study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that 15.5% of girls experienced early periods — younger than age 11 — and that 1.4% started menstruating younger than age 9.
Dr. Natalie Shaw, a pediatric endocrinologist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Durham, North Carolina stated that a compound known as musk ambrette, which is used for its fragrance in a variety of personal care items, has been identified as a potential endocrine disruptor. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the endocrine (or hormone) systems at certain doses. These disruptions can cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders. Specifically, musk ambrette has been found to potentially influence the timing of puberty by binding to receptors in the brain that control the release of hormones related to sexual maturation.
The implications of such findings are significant. Early puberty is linked to a host of health risks, including higher chances of breast cancer, diabetes, and heart disease later in life. It can also lead to psychological and emotional challenges as children navigate the complexities of adolescence at a younger age.
Research published in the journal Endocrinology points to musk ambrette as a chemical that children are likely to be exposed to, given its widespread use in detergents, perfumes, and other personal care products. This exposure is particularly concerning because of the ability of these chemicals to stimulate key receptors in the hypothalamus, which could lead to the premature activation of the reproductive axis in children.
The findings have prompted calls for more cautious use of personal care products, especially those used by children. Regulatory bodies in Canada and Europe have already taken steps to restrict the use of musk ambrette due to its potential toxicity, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has removed the fragrance from its “generally recognized as safe” list.
Dr. Apisadaporn Thambundit, a pediatric endocrinologist who is an assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at UCLA, reassured concerned parents, “I don’t think it’s strong enough to suggest anything that parents can do,” she said.
The conversation around early puberty and chemical exposure is ongoing, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between the two. However, the current evidence suggests a clear need for caution and further investigation.
