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The incidence of early puberty, technically known as precocious puberty, seems to be occurring more frequently according to doctors’ observations. Many factors have been blamed including hormones in food, hormones in water, milk, obesity, even the open discussion and display of sex in the media. Exact number is not known since no comprehensive studies have been done, possibly millions of kids could be affected and crying out, “Please, somebody shave me!”
Kids grow up fast these days, but many parents are worried it's too fast when little Sally needs a training bra at age six and Timmy sports a moustache at ten. Precocious puberty is defined as the onset of puberty before age 7 or 8 in girls or age 9 in boys. There is a range, and this has been part of the problem of establishing the "normal" age of puberty. Girls might enter full-blown puberty anytime between ages 9 and 15; boys between 11 and 17. Precocious puberty is more serious than the expense of needing to buy razors and tampons.
The early growth spurt can retard fuller growth in adolescence, as the brain tells the bones that growing time is over. Girls under age 10 aren't mentally prepared for monthly periods. And earlier sexual desires —with a mature body and immature mind—can lead to earlier sexual encounters.
(livescience)
References: dailymail, livescience
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