Chemicals may cause early puberty in girls

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a major contributor to the worrying trend of girls entering puberty earlier, which has been shown to increase the risk of mental health problems and a range of diseases.

A new study, published in the scientific journal Endocrinology shows that certain endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can interfere with the body’s endocrine system by mimicking or blocking hormones.

The research suggests that these chemicals may contribute to the growing trend of early puberty in girls, which in turn is associated with increased risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer.

– We conducted a comprehensive screen of 10,000 environmental compounds with extensive follow-up studies using human brain cells that control the reproductive axis, and our team identified several substances that may contribute to early puberty in girls, comments study lead author Natalie Shaw of the National Institutes of Health.

These chemicals included musk ambrette, a fragrance used in detergents, perfumes and personal care products. It is thought to be of particular concern as some studies have shown that the substance can cross the blood-brain barrier which can affect the brain’s hormone regulation.

Girls exposed to certain EDCs may be more likely to start puberty early, according to new research published in Endocrinology, the flagship basic science journal of @TheEndoSociety:https://t.co/txR9JURMbc pic.twitter.com/t1PvJBawkL

— Endocrine News (@Endocrine_News) September 10, 2024

Calls for further research

Canada and Europe have already imposed restrictions on the use of musk ambrette due to potential toxicity, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has removed the fragrance from its list of “generally recognized as safe”.

Despite this, the substance is still present in some hygiene products.

– This study suggests that, out of an abundance of caution, it is important for parents to only use personal care products for their children that are federally regulated, Natalie Shaw emphasizes.

The research team conducted their experiments on human brain cells and zebrafish and found that musk ambrette increased the number of neurons expressing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and may affect the onset of puberty.

Another group of substances identified were cholinergic agonists. However, these substances are less common in children’s everyday lives.

However, the research team behind the study believes that more research is needed to determine, for example, the link between these chemicals and early puberty in children.