Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

NEWT, BURLINGTON IOWA — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:58:14 GMT

YES, MARK; "THEY" ARE PUTTING "SOMETHING" INTO THE DRINKING WATER...!
AND YES, IT IS CAUSING EARLY-ONSET PUBERTY; PERHAPS,IT IS CAUSING YOUR SELF DESCRIBED PARANOID FANTASIES!!
I AM REALLY GLAD THAT I READ THIS ARTICLE; NOW I KNOW WHY ALL MY GOD DAMN NEIGHBORS ARE CRAZIER THAN "PET COONS" - IT IS THE FRIGGIN' DRINKING WATER!!! HA

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Jane Duncan, Lexington, Mi. — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:02:26 GMT

I am a 55 yr old female that experienced the onset of menstruation at 9 yrs old. It happens to run early in my family (my daughter was 10, my granddaughter was 9). I am here to tell you, this was NOT the onset on my "sexual awakening", nor was it my daughter's or granddaughter's. This is NOT innocence "lost" either. It is a NORMAL bodily function. When it is treated as "sexual awakening" and "innocence lost" it most decidely becomes that. From what I have observed, when the FATHER or FATHER FIGURE in the family begins to treat the daughter differently because of the onset on menstruation, THAT is when it becomes one of the two other issues. The best thing that can happen to a little girl who experiences the onset of menstruation at an early age is a mother that still treats her daughter as the little girl she still is and not a rival, and a father that still loves his little girl unconditionally as the little girl she is and not be uncomfortable with her maturing body. Lucky for me I had both!

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Stephen Ross — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:02:52 GMT

I am very concerned about this topic. I think we as a society are just beginning to understand and learn about what chemicals and plastics are doing to our generation. Lead in lipsticks, poisons in the plastic for baby bottles...and now this. Go figure!

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Kim, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:09:14 GMT

As the mother of two daughters, ages 7 and 10, it DOES concern me. My 10-year-old has already had symptoms of puberty for several years now. We too, took her to the doctor last year for what appeared to be a period (?) I was floored to hear it could be happening at this early of an age. She has loved dairy products since she started eating table foods and consumes a lot of them. I considered the abundance of hormones in the foods she eats to be a factor. My concern is that when it happens to a child this age, they aren't able to deal with it emotionally. There are no receptacles in the girls bathroom stalls - often there are no doors! How is a child supposed to approach this without shame and embarassment?

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Kathy Dettwyler, Biological Anthropologist, Newark, DE — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:35:00 GMT

The average at menarche has been around 12.6 years for females in the US for many years. This is a not a new phenomenon. There is always significant variation around the average for any human biological variable. In 1963, my 8 year old friend Connie (who was the tallest girl in 3rd grade, and plump) got her period and began wearing a bra. There have always been 8 year olds who menstruated. Connie was not, however, 'sexualized' in any way by this early onset of puberty. What has changed in the last few decades is the sexualization of young girls through the media, clothing, toys, etc., whether or not they are going through puberty biologically. My favorite example is the Miss Bimbo Game at http://www.missbimbo.com/. Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, etc. It isn't the hormones in the plastic causing early puberty, as indeed there isn't 'early puberty' -- merely, and sadly, early sexualization of girls of all ages.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

LS, Louisville, Kentucky — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:13:51 GMT

I have twin daughters that started going through puberty while in the last part of kindergarten. I started noticing body odor and hairs growing under there arms, and sparse pubic hair soon followed. It was alarming to imagine these little girls who I still gave baths to and were playing with dolls having to go through the nightmare of sanitary pads and the embarrassment of starting your period in school. I took them to an endocrinologist who suggested monthly deep muscle injections of a hormone that would delay the start of their menstration. Not only would that be painful, the shots were $200 a pop and wouldn't be covered by insurance. So we decided for nature to take it's course and surprisingly the girls didn't start their periods until they were nine years old. But it was very strange to have shave under your first graders pits and buy deoderant for them. They are both in college now and healthy and happy!

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Dave, Vancouver, Washington — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:17:29 GMT

My little girl is only 6 right now, but ever since she was old enough to smile, she's been flirting with boys... usually boys a few years older than her. The idea of early puberty scares me to death, but one way I have found to cool down her behavior is by having "the talk" with her. Once she had some notion of where babies come from, how they get out of their mother, and even what causes a woman to become pregnant, I have seen a dramatic decrease in her interest in boys. She now looks forward to someday becoming a "step-mother" instead of a mommy.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Dave Denham, Clarkston, Wash — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:23:50 GMT

I believe this phenomenon started years ago. Agriculture wanting to grow products bigger, faster, and higher producing. Growth hormones in the beef, pork, poultry, and fish markets. A desire to increase dairy production through the use of chemical stimulants, and all of this going into the food supply and affecting all that ingest it. I can remember when 12 to 14 year old girls were cute and innocent with their dolls and tea sets. Those same little girls have turned physically into mature women with all the curves and hormones to match. Now it is shopping for fashion and makeup and wanting to look like the stars on T.V. and the big screen. What have we done to the innocence of youth?

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Bobbie, Charlotte, NC — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:34:49 GMT

Kudos to you both for touching a subject that I've never heard broached publically before. I began menstruation when I was 10 years old (and am now 25), and I had the benefits of two wonderful parents and a great educational system. My school approached us with the topic in 5th grade with ease, honesty, and openness, but I was still shocked, overwhelmed and unprepared for the changes it brought both physically and emotionally. I have always considered my childhood having ended at nine years old, and while in high school I repeatedly noticed the vast differences (again both physically and emotionally) between myself and the girls who matured later in high school. It never turned me into a boyfriend-desperate shopping-crazed lunatic, but it always saddened me how fast I felt I was "forced" to grow up against my will. It took me years to realize the depression, confusion, and anger (not to mention hips and breasts) I suddenly acquired at ten years old after an easy, happy childhood could all be blamed on one thing: raging hormones! Thanks again for helping me to remember that I'm not the only one.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

wev — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:34:59 GMT

Nice article Dr. Surprisingly candid for a physician.

Regarding phthalate esthers and the like -
One word: bioaccumulation.
(From the doctor's link: http://www.phthalates.org/yourhealth/bioaccumulation.asp

It doesn't just sit around in the environment forever. It sits in us, in our fat cells. (Since
we and the environment are intimately interconnected, obviously.) These chemicals have been multiplying exponentially in our lives in the 1900s. And don't break down fast. Not in mom, not in child, etc. It is a big issue, IMO.

Regarding phthalate esthers and the like -
One word: bio-accumulation (exponential accumulation of waste in the biosphere - aka environment).

From the doctor's link, see: http://www.phthalates.org/yourhealth/bioaccumulation.asp

These chemicals have been multiplying exponentially in our lives in the 1900s.
And don't break down fast. So bio-accumulation happens - in mom, in child - boy or girl, and in dad (gynecomastia, anyone?) etc.
Boys becoming more & more feminized and obese is not by chance, IMO.

It is all a big issue, throwing off the hormonal balances in nature that were once normal.
The ecosystem can only handle the dumping of so much waste before it starts to look like a sewage dump.
And we are living in that now. Thanks to phthalate esters and many other chemicals & quasi-plastics.

Why? B/c we've not found effective ways to *fully* eliminate/breakdown the wastes. It is the ecosystem's way is to be fully
recyclable. From earth to dust and all that jazz.
But people haven't figured out how to recycle all the garbage they put into nature....*yet*.
(Dumping in the ocean or in landfills don't count.)

So, it is inevitable then that our bodies, our kids, and the ecosystem will pay the price.
All IMO.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

SD — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:58:30 GMT

My daughter just came to me this week to tell me she is starting her period. She is nine years old. I get excited with her so she is not freaked out, but I am a little freaked out. She's my baby girl! I can't believe how fast she has grown and how quickly it takes just for one day to come when she suddenly begins her journey to becomming a young woman. It's almost overwhelming. I wonder if it has anything to do with hormones in our food and water bringing it on so early. I didn't start until I was 11.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

CH, St Petersburg FL — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:02:36 GMT

I have two daughters one is 11 and one is 5, and so far I am lucky, (no menses yet)!!!! My 11 year old wants absolutely nothing to do with puberty. Me either for that matter. But we talk about it and I make her aware that this is going to happen. I feel confident that even though this is a fact of life, that she and I can keep the innocence of childhood in check.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Anne, Woodbridge,VA — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:09:42 GMT

Yes, I am very concerned about precocious puberty. I have a 9 yr. old daughter who will be turn 10 in July. I look at her developing body and I feel a sense of sadness and lost. As a mother it is my desire to see her grow and develop into a lovely young woman, however it seems to be happening too fast these days. She and I are reading a book called "The Period Book". It's agreat book in that it explains in relatively easy language the changes in a young girl's body. A lot of her friends that are 10 yrs old have already gotten thier period. I know that her time isn't far off, I'm just hoping that we have at least another year.

Virginia Mom

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Wilber Johnson, River Falls WI — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:33:32 GMT

As a middle scool teacher for 18 years it has always kind of shocked me that girls are starting their cycles so early. We teach the cycle in seventh grade, and these days it is the norm that all the girls are menstruating, it used to be a much smaller percentage.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

T Hiatt, South Burlington, VT — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:44:18 GMT

I currently have a son (by the way, he is 5'10 and 168lbs and has always been a larger child) who is turning 13 next week. At age 7, I noticed extreme body odor after a soccer game. Here I'm thinking it had to be something like an adrenaline/stress response. Then, to my astonishment, body hair becomes apparent at 9. Even boys hit puberty early, not just girls, so confirmed by his pediatrician. The subsequent emotions and fluctuations in hormones for these youngsters is doubly difficult to deal with, as they just don't have the ability to understand some of it. They also struggle with the idea that they are somehow "weird" or "different" because of this earlier physical growth. Explaining to the kids that it is normal for some to start sooner rather than later is so critical and to support them towards a positive body image. Only recently, that I'm aware of, are we talking about disposal of medications (including hormones) that is appropriate and so that they can be extracted from our water supply. We've known about growth hormones being used in cows and being present in the milk we drink. I do think it is bigger than that, and these fellows certainly touched on that with the phthalate esters.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Vera Ames Vero Beach, FL — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:52:44 GMT

How about my precious Granddaughter? At age 10 she started to develop breasts. She will soon be 11 but I think menarche is close. She iuts just not mentally developed at this age to cope with all puberty entails. She is not mentally mature enough to make life changing decisions. She does not want to do what her sister does at 13. I am very concerned about her.

A loving Grandmother.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Dan Gage — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:03:26 GMT

I find it interesting to read this article and the comments. Parents try to keep their kids from growing up, culture has evolved to where its more common to wait until your 30 to get married and we cram education and jobs down everyones throat in between. It's no wonder we have a 50%+ divorce rate and the countless diagnosis of ADHD, ADD, Bipolar, on and on and on.
America needs to get back to some basics. We need to learn to embrace life as it is rather than how we've been taught to dream it to be. It's true, many of us seem to be living a disneyland world, especially with how we look back at our childhoods and how we try to raise our own children-that is when we finally get around to having kids in our late 30s now days.
Growing up, while no doubt seemingly awkward, really does not have to be if you will keep up with life rather than trying to play God with how you deal with these issues. Boys and girls want to grow up. Teach them to! Puberty can be a very self esteem building time if you'll embrace it and encourage your child to embrace this new stage in life-rather than hold them back as though its embarrassing.
God created our bodies and how they work. Go against how they function and you go against His plan. Life is wonderful if you'll live it and embrace the wonderful key elements of living.
Hug your son or daughter and tell them how cool it is they are growing up. And if they are a little ahead, how cool is that-they get a head start on something. Teach them to be thankful and look forward.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Ken, St Louis, MO — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:04:12 GMT

You correctly state that pre-pubertal obesity is linked to early onset of puberty. It makes sense that these girls are at a higher risk for developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, if they are already obese or overweight.

However, I was disappointed that you do not clearly state that the other environmental factors are very speculative and there are no clear links between these and early puberty in humans. Your readers would do better to worry about aflatoxins in peanut butter and E.coli in any food products.

As for the over-merchandising, which also is extensive for children, try limiting or eliminating television programs. I do not have cable television and watch very little broadcast TV.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

John, Birmingham, MI — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:29:10 GMT

The over sexualization of children who experience early maturation also affects the leives of children who do not, particularly in middle school. Early maturation tends to be a "desirable characteristic" and other children who have not matured sometimes have to pretend to have matured or experience "social detriment". There is no hiding for boys -- you either have the attributes of a hormone enhanced body or you do not.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

um, Reno, NV — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:43:49 GMT

Regardless of what age our daughters start their periods, one thing we can do is help them transition into this new reality with ease and comfort. When my daughter first started her periods, I saw a need for a product that could bring such an ease and comfort. Today, I am proud to say that product is now available online at www.PantEve.com.

I would be glad to send out a sample of the PantEve so the young girls in your family or even the older ones can try and see the much needed, worry-free comfort it offers.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Anja, Washington, DC — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:00:44 GMT

I think it's awfully sad to think such young girls are getting their period so young. They have a solid what? 9 years of childhood and then they're hit with their monthly period? I first got my period at 11 years old (I'm 27 now). I've always been very thin too. I remember thinking "already? I have to be bothered by this every month?" I certainly didn't become "boy crazy" either. I continued to be focused on friends and sports. I do believe it's the hormones injected in our poultry, dairy, and countless other food products. Girls are maturing so incredibly fast these days that it's quite sad. I don't think girls are able to enjoy their childhood anymore.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

AJ, Silver Spring, MD — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:03:37 GMT

I too started my period early... 10. Very relieved my mother did not take me to the ER but she did experience a few moments of denial (grilling me as to whether I'd fallen or possibly banged myself on my bike). When she realized this was really happening she immediately got over herself and sprung into action for my benefit. Making sure I understood the full gravity of what this new change to my body meant and explaining how I should now take care of myself. At the same time though, she made sure I understood this did not mean I had to immediately throw away my childhood (one of my concerns was that I would not be able to do a cartwheel or swing on the handle bars on the play ground). I think my mother addressing that yes I was a child with a developing woman's body, ultimately I was still a child. I think that aided in me retaining my innocense.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

bkl — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:08:28 GMT

Very interesting to hear from the other end of the spectrum. In contrast, I was one of the late bloomers, and didn't get my first period (or much of anything else!) until after I was 15. I got much grief from my peers and sibling about how undeveloped and 'behind' I was compared to them. I recall how each of us in my fifth grade class longed to be one of the lucky ones who needed a bra, etc. because somehow that accorded them a more grown-up status. They were treated as the more mature ones by the adults, and that carried on to how the other kids saw them. Monkey see, monkey do. It was made clear by those who physically matured faster that those of us that hadn't caught up or didn't have the same attributes were not only behind physically, but must also be less mentally mature(gotta love the convoluted logic of childhood). Frankly, it is rather nice to know that some of them weren't enjoying it as much as they appeared to at the time...

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Dawn Geisler Jacksonville, Florida — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:11:35 GMT

As far as I am concerned Jane Duncan of Lexington, MI said it best!! I could not agree more with her. My daughter is 10 and she started two weeks ago. Was she upset? You BETCHA but that is when us as parents have to step up to the plate and put our parenting skills to the test! Those are STILL your little girls and it is a NORMAL body function. Keep her close and have "the talk" and keep on talking and playing and treating her like the girl she is and at this age guess what? They are still talking a million miles an hour to you AND they are HEARING EVERY WORD YOU SAY so choose your words carefully and leave your daughter with a healthy sense of what has just happened to her and this will be the beginning of her growing into a strong young woman. They are still our little girls and WE are still their number ONE role model so use the time wisely!!! Peace to all!

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Tom Rodriguez, Greensboro, NC — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:16:01 GMT

Age of menarche and peak growth has been tied to childhood diet. Increased calories, as well as higher amounts of animal protein and fat are correlated with earlier onset of menarche and peak growth velocity.

Berkey, Gardner, Frazier, & Colditz (2000) Relation of Childhood Diet and Body Size to Menarche and Adolescent Growth in Girls, American Journal of Epidemiology, Vol 152, No. 5, 446-452.

Quoting from the abstract:
"Girls who consumed more (energy-adjusted) animal protein and less vegetable protein at ages 3–5 years had earlier menarche, and girls aged 1–2 years with higher dietary fat intakes and girls aged 6–8 years with higher animal protein intakes became adolescents with earlier peak growth. Controlling for body size, girls who consumed more calories and animal protein 2 years before peak growth had higher peak growth velocity."

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Whitney, New Orleans, LA — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:20:44 GMT

Why is everyone so concerned with the "embarrassment" of starting one's period? Changing your pad in a public restroom isn't any more embarrassing than urinating - it's a natural bodily function, and almost every woman has to deal with it eventually. If you tell kids that their periods are dirty and embarrassing, sure they'll be traumatized! Just treat it like a normal thing and maybe their periods won't be "horrifying" or a "loss of innocence".

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

M. Moss, West Monroe, LA — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:45:49 GMT

The average age of menarche (start of menstruation) in 1900 was near 19 years-of-age. By that age, most women were mentally and emotionally prepared to bear children. Today, menarche is starting much younger. This, along with a culture that promotes dating and such at younger ages has lead to very young girls becoming pregnant. In the mid 80's, while practicing medicine, I was shocked to see 8 and 9 year old children in the obstetrics clinics pregnant and not mentally or emotionally able to handle giving birth. Babies having babies is a sad result.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

PLC, CT — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:51:06 GMT

I've always wondered what effect sports have in delaying a young girl's period. My daughter was involved in gymnastics since she was 3 but never to the extent where it took over her life. She did eventually go 4 days a week, loved the sport, but did not starve herself or get overly stressed out. She finally got her period a week before her 16th birthday. She also never seemed overly concerned that her friends got their periods before she did. But I also think I may have been a bit late, too.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

KC, Charlotte — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:53:08 GMT

I had a friend who developed earlier than the rest of us, she had breasts by 4th grade, and she definately had a confused self image that left her vulnerable to sexual abuse. The boys definately noticed that she had breasts when the rest of us didn't and by the time we were in 7th grade she was sexually active. I however, didn't have my first period until I was 14, and I really believed it made a huge difference in our outlooks on life. I'm 31 now, and it wasn't "common" in my peergroup to have your period before 12...it happened to a few girls who were not the norm!

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Barbara, Mpls, MN — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:55:53 GMT

About 13 years ago I read "Reviving Ophelia" by Mary Pipher, PhD. The subject of early puberty was mentioned in the book, which I believe was first published in the late 80's. Even then, the author's suggested early pubescence might be caused by hormone additives in the food supply. It was extremely enlightening, even in the years before the push for natural and organic foods and awareness of what is really in the products (non-food based) we buy! My daughters, now 16 and 11, both started showing signs of puberty by age 8. It was startling to see and I wondered if it had anything to do with Dr. Pipher's theories. I did not mourn the "loss" of my daughter's youth, but welcomed another opportunity to share and parent my child as a growing young woman.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

L, Florida — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:06:09 GMT

I am a 27 year old woman and I had my first period shortly after I turned 9. To me it was an innocence lost. It wasn't the fact that I was "growing up" that was tramatizing to me, it was the fact that I had no idea what was happening to me. My mother, not knowing that I would start my period at 9, never talked to me about the birds and the bees, puberty, etc. Even after I got my period she explained what it was, but never did give me the full "talk". I had to find out on my own what exactly this meant and it was very life altering for me. I lived on the coast and it was hard when I was at the beach with all of my friends and couldn't go into the water with them, and was too embarrassed to even tell them why. Not that they would even understand, because they knew nothing about puberty either.

I have to say, though, that getting my period at a young age did not make me sexually active at a younger age. Yes, it did make me more curious as to what sex was all about and what it involved, but it did not make me rush out and do it.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

k, Ohio — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:08:19 GMT

My daughter began to develop pubic hair at a very young age (about 6-7) and we were concerned. However she is now 13 and has very little breast development and has not started menstration yet. I know it will be soon but now I am a bit more relaxed because I believe she is mature enough to handle it.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Stephanie, Effort, PA — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:16:18 GMT

I am the mother of a 12 year old mentally retarded daughter. She has had pubic hair since the age of 4 and started menstruating at age 9. She's been wearing deoderant since the age of 6 with hair under her arms. My challenge was explaining her period to her because while she has the body of a 16 year old at this time, mentally, she's only 5 years old.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Linda Halsell,Texas — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:25:48 GMT

My daughter and I had the talk about periods as I notice she was developing fast for her age and sure enough by age 9 "it happen". The biggest problem so far is the privacy issue at school, there is no way for her to dispose of them in the bathroom so that know one will know. She is so afraid that someone at school will find out. I believe it is something in the food that we eat that is causing this. I'm 45 and most of my friends and me included, did not start until after 14 years of age. Something has changed, I just thought know one else had noticed or was concerned...

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

hormonal hazard — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:37:51 GMT

I am 35 and started my menstral cycle when I was 9 years old. I now have to see an endocrinologist because of a thyroid problem that just won't regulate after nearly 8 years. I wonder if this has anything to to with it. I was also under a lot of stress when I was 9. Maybe that was the cause.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

J, Austin, TX — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:47:57 GMT

Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, however:
1. Research shows that while the onset of puberty has begun earlier, it also plateaued and is no longer showing this trend.
2. Stress is a large factor when discussing the early onset of puberty.
3. Some of you do not seem to have a historical perspective that spans further than this past century, Many young women, once they were able to bare children, which, contrary to popular belief is often not until a couple of years after their first period, were then required to marry and begin having children of their own. Your tweens have their entire teenage years, and probably early twenties as well, to work through any parental induced drama and/or distress that you are putting them through by viewing your children's normal development as something dirty, sexual or something to mourn.
4. It takes a truly depraved mind to equate a young lady having their period to losing their 'innocence.'
5. It is sad that we live in a society that views the natural progression of life, including sex, as dirty or scary. Hopefully your children will have the sense, self-efficacy and autonomy to set some of you straight on this issue and assure you that it is perfectly healthy to grow and mature as all people, since the beginning of time, have done. Life is something to be celebrated, not feared.
7. Signs of puberty does not equal ‘symptoms.’ Puberty is not a disease; it is natural, positive, and, most importantly, necessary.
8. Just because someone is an M.D., does not mean they know anything about development. I would not go and try to tell an ER doctor how to treat a gunshot wound, and, likewise, I do not appreciate them misinforming or skewing the publics’ perception when it comes to my field.
9. The only story here that is anything close to ‘out-of-the ordinary’ is the kindergarten story; that is earlier than expected (there are always outliers), but, as the parent stated, they are fine and your children will be too unless you do something to mess them up.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

C. Lawson, Glenmora, LA — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:11:16 GMT

I myself didn't start until I was 14-15 yrs old but both of my sisters and my neices started around 9-10 yrs old. It does make a difference when you do reach that milestone earlier rather than later, but the thing to remember is that no matter at what age it is a natural part of growing up, whether you want it or not.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Jam, TX — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:11:28 GMT

All of you people that think hormones in meats are causing problems need to do some research. I am a graduate student of animal science working on a Master of Agriculture. Unless you eat meat raw you have nothing to worry about. These growth hormones (proteins) that are in the meat denature in the cooking process so they are rendered inactive. Don't believe everything you hear in the media.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

haley, minneapolis, MN — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:19:57 GMT

My daughter is 14 yo now and first got her period at the end of 3rd grade - yep 9 years old. she was thin, active and healthy.we eat an almost entirely organic diet and use the "green" cleaning products. Also, we don't consume dairy products.

As to a "loss" of innocence - where did you get that? It sounds like that stems more from a father's fears and loss than that of the girl.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Elizabeth, San Diego, CA — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:23:53 GMT

Heck, my dad didn't realize I'd really hit puberty until I was seventeen and he suddenly realized I had hips.

I was a late-bloomer, and never understood early-onset. My mom was a late-bloomer too, both of us "coming of age" at 14. I didn't really discover boys until around the same age, so I didn't think to separate the two events. However, socially speaking, I think we DO fill the heads of little ones with the trappings of our own adult worlds, and "dress up" has become a dangerous game. I don't feel like I lost any innocence, although I could have used a little more feminization due to my total lack of regard for female fashion. I grew up with my brothers giant-sized t-shirt hand-me-downs. It took me until after college to really recognize and celebrate my body.

So there you have an opposite effect for comparison. It weirds me out to think of 8-year-olds hitting the Age. When I was 8 the biggest thing on my mind was how long 'till summer vacation. Biologically I don't even get it... how could an 8-year-old's body even HAVE a child?

Fathers, teach your daughters how to fix cars and dig post-holes. Moms, teach your girls to cook and clean. And BOTH of you, put your feet down and say NO every once in a while. They may scream and cry, but I swear, it's actually GOOD for the developing psyche!

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Becky, Dallas — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:43:08 GMT

I'm not worried about my 5 year old daughter starting her period anytime soon. I was a late bloomer, baby teeth in 9th grade and didn't start menstruating until I was 16. But I remember the kids in 4th and 5th grades starting their periods. I remember being terrified. But by the time mine came, it was like, FINALLY!!! But I also only buy organic milk for my daughter, because I'm worried about all the hormones that can be found in non-organic milk. I think that probably has alot to do with it. But then again, maybe these kids are just early bloomers.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

CN, Morrison, IL — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:48:28 GMT

My daughter began showing signs of precocious puberty before her 5-year-old well check-up. Our doctor suggested that hormones in dairy and meat could be the cause and that switching to organics (and no longer drinking soy milk, either) would help. She said it wouldn't reverse what had already happened (body odor, hair growth) but it could prevent progression. We switched, and it has stopped. Now if only school lunch programs could jump on board the organic food idea...

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

charls, minneapolis, mn — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:51:36 GMT

Hormones are not only in the water, they are also in the milk. Bovine Growth Hormone BHT is given to cows in order to make them give more milk. The diary industry fought leglislation to require that this hormone be on the label. You can find BHT free milk but you have to look for it. Organic milk does not contain it. Since humans and cows share much dna, it is likely that BHT will have some kind of affect on humans. Many countries do not allow BHT to be used, the US has no such restrictions.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

J. Jordan, Penrose, CO — Thu, 01 May 2008 20:23:29 GMT

I, too, have twin daughters who started showing signs of puberty in kindergarten, including underarm hair, pubic hair and adult body odor. We also sought an endocrinolgist's opinion - his diagnosis that that they were NOT experiencing precocious puberty. Since neither my mother or sisters or myself had early onset, I can't help but consider environmental factors such as what they are ingesting (water source, milk products, meat products) and the additives in these products. Why? Because they are following the pattern of their 12-year-old brother who also experienced early onset of puberty (age 7-8), but was also told by an endocrinologist that he did not have precocious puberty.

They will still develop into the wonderful adults they are meant to be, although I lament that their childhood has been prematurely interrupted. We take care not to make too much of it around them and stand prepared to weather the "hormonal storm" sooner rather than later.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Doug Marks, Carpentersville, IL — Thu, 01 May 2008 20:24:30 GMT

There is some research in the area of water fluoridation and fluoride exposure, that effects the pineal gland, which is speculated to be one of the contributing factors toward the early onset of puberty. The research paper is named "Fluoride Deposition in the Aged Human Pineal Gland", I forgot the author's name. Fluoride is one of those chemicals that work on an accumulating basis in the human body. It casues all kinds of disease and dysfunction in the human body and we are just now discovering how horrible it's effects are. Hopefully, the government will ban this substance as they did lead in paints and fuels, PCB's, DDT, and a host of other chemicals used within our environment.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Jody, North Carolina — Thu, 01 May 2008 20:25:41 GMT

This was no shock to me. I had my first period in 5th grade.That was back in 1980. I also had my visit from the breast fairy in third grade. Yes I did mature quickly, but now 30 years later to hear of others starting their periods as early as i did makes me seem more normal.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Mary Crescent City, CA — Thu, 01 May 2008 20:26:27 GMT

I had precocious puberty as a child and I recall it being a total horror. I was only five and my parents took me to a doctor who referred me to Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. For years, I was subject to invasive physical exams by what I now know were student doctors using me to further their educations and careers, exams that often sent me into hysterics. I still have post-traumatic stress from the experience, so much so that for years, I had to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol prior to any female exam, even when I became pregnant with my children.

Additionally, the attitude of my parents gave me no support whatsoever and as a result, I was left to my own emotional devices when I began menstruating at the age of ten. I had to fight off repeated attempts at sexual molestation by not only adult men, but by male peers as well. In retrospect, I know that I did not begin to pull my psyche together until I was well into my thirties and it is only now that I am approaching my fifties that I finally feel at ease with my own body.

Thank GOD for menopause!

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

SG, Milwaukee, WI — Thu, 01 May 2008 20:53:20 GMT

To quote Dr. Billy Goldberg, "Pre-pubertal obesity has been shown to lower the age of menarche...Girls with premature puberty are at a higher risk for developing obesity." It seems to me that obesity is either a cause or a possible risk of early menarche. It is hard for me to believe that it can be both. More likely than not, it is a cause. Consider the increasing number of overweight and obese Americans. Maybe we should be looking at ourselves before we start looking at external causes for this phenomena.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

John Cheek North Carolina — Thu, 01 May 2008 22:01:11 GMT

This is indeed not a new phenomenon. If you go back three or four hundred years, the average age of puberty was 14 to 16. For example, in the late 17th century church choirs, boy sopranos could usually continue their careers until their mid teens. One factor not mentioned in the article is improved nutrition. Of course in more recent years, that has been deteriorating to a high fat diet.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

sylvia, los angeles, ca — Thu, 01 May 2008 22:09:49 GMT

I want to thank the writers and the commentors. I think I learned something from all of you. I agree that it is not puberty itself that takes away inocence but our sexualization of puberty. There is blame to be placed in a lot of places for this sexualization, including the television programs that are supposed to be for children and the handling of these kid actors in mainstream media. In this time of work, rush, hurry, with everyday filled with some activity, we do not seem to have as much time with our kids just doing kids stuff while they are little as we want or need. With puberty seeming to rush in, we start to realize how little time we have left for an unwarranted hug or when our kisses really do make the hurts feel better. We all need to find a way to stay close to our children.

My DD is 7.5 and my DS is 9. Neither is overweight in any since of the word. About six months ago my DD started having underarm odor but not my son. My DH thought it was strange but suggested that I buy them both plain deodorant. I have to remind DD to use deodorant sometimes but she is okay about it. Then she started complaining about her chest hurting a few months ago. DH was sort of shocked but sort of not. DD has a friend who is 6 months older and much heavier and we noticed she had started developing last year. We now have to have DD wear a tank all the time because she has buds. After reading some of the comments here, I know that I want to make this time just normal for her. She is not doing anything different than anyone else at some point in their life. DD still loves Spongebob Squarepants and her dolls. Hopefully, her innocence will never be lost becuase of nature.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Carol, Cochran, GA — Thu, 01 May 2008 22:47:25 GMT

I agree with Jane, I too began my period at age 9. I was the youngest of three girls, one 4 years older, the other 8 years older. I was treated as an every day event. Thanks to my parents, I continued to have a wonderful childhood that I couldn't have rewritten any better. I didn't awaken sexually and maybe the people who are thinking in that respect should rethink their thinking, maybe they have a problem, not the young ladies that start their periods early.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Stacy Malkan, Berkeley California — Fri, 02 May 2008 02:05:26 GMT

Thank you for writing about this important topic. A great resource to learn more is a recent report by the biologist Sandra Steingraber, "The Falling Age of Puberty: What We Know, What We Need to Know." http://www.breastcancerfund.org/site/pp.asp?c=kwKXLdPaE&b=3266509
The report explores the factors linked to early puberty noted by Dr. Goldberg, and discusses the disturbing social and health problems associated with early sexuality. The falling age of puberty is especially a problem for African American girls. This disturbing trend must be addressed by taking a precautionary approach, and reducing the use of hormone-disrupting chemicals in food and household products. Thank you.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Aziza Malayer- Mooresville, IN — Fri, 02 May 2008 04:47:32 GMT

The last five generations of women in my family werehaving regular cycles by the time the were 7. My younger sister began in first grade. This is sometimes regulated in part by ethnic backgroung. We are Safardic, it is not at all uncommon in our families and our girls are not sexually active at an early age, nor under great stress. It is just nature.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

H. "Roaddogg" North, Burlington, Vermont — Fri, 02 May 2008 07:32:46 GMT

It was very interesting to read this article which expressed a variety of emotions ( from disbelief, anxiety, and awe) from both the original author, and the respondents. Some events in life are down right incredulous. The subject material sparked my memory that recalled a scene in the movie "Carrie", with Sissy Spasick, where her character was in the shower, at high school, with her other classmates and she started her 'initial period'. Unfortunately, her character was naive about the "signs"/events that marked the transition from childhood into adulthood as a young female. Consequently... because she was both uninformed by her Mother and unaware that she was going to bleed, as a result of maturation, she became ultimately terrified, and felt she was going to die. To make matters worse her classmates stripped her of her dignity, and she was very humiliated their resulting actions toward her... throwing female hygiene products at her. I sincerely hope that the 10 year old girl in this story, that was brought into the ER, did not experience an event similar to the one I mentioned. As I read more of the article, it went on to discuss current theories thought to be responsible for triggering this early maturation...obesity, phthalates esters ( added to vinyl for flexibility, found in toys, vinyl flooring and wall coverings,food packaging,pesticides,detergents,pharmaceuticals,and personal care products such as nail polish, sunscreen,shampoo, and lotions...also found in hormones in meat & milk, and other "environmental estrogens" have been implicated...and stressful family situations lead to early maturation and puberty). I recapped all of these theories to illustrate my upcoming counterpoint. Several years ago while I was in a library, near where they kept all the newspapers, a picture on one of the newspapers caught my eye. It was a picture of a little Black girl holding a baby. Since the apparel wasn't reflective of the majority of (United States) our culture, and the small girl was holding a baby, my curiosity lead me to investigate the story behind the picture. The picture was taken, in a village in AFRICA, may be in Botswana, or Rhawanda. Regardless, the small girl was 9 years old and the baby she was holding was hers. I said to myself,with disbelief, 9 years old and she is a mother. I believe the article was written because it was a new "Guinnes World Book of Records" for the youngest woman to give birth (look it up to verify ). I then thought to myself, what was I doing when I was 9 years old? I was invincible, finishing up third grade, into little electric racecar tracks with the handheld speed controls and just plan enjoying my family,friends,and playing in the St. John's River, in Florida. In my wildest imagination could I fathom being a Father and the responsibilities involved in such a role. When I read the suspected theories/causes, thought to be responsible for the early maturation of females (did not mention other geographical areas), in the USA, the only one mentioned that might explain the birth of a child to a child ( 9 year-old in Africa ) was "stressful family situations" our probably just stressful living conditions. From the picture, it appeared that her living conditions were quite harsh. I say this because... where this child lived...the suspected "environmental elements", overall, are absent and just not present. She lived in a mud house with a grass roof. For example, no vinyl products, detergents, plastic products, sunscreen, shampoo,hormones for beef/milk. Primary diet chicken/goats/wheat/rice. Granted, science is, itself, a very powerful discipline that helps account and explain endless phenomenons on this "Earth Village." I am hopeful that "we" haven't poisoned our environment so much so that phthalates esters are responsible for the early onset of Menses in North American females. Other female respondents discussed their life experience with their early onset of their period, and how they coped and dealt with the event. Fortunately, they had loving parents that supported them,and helped them understand and cope with these changes. I also wonder if early menstruation is an adaptation that is occurring across the species that marks some aspect of human evolution to adapt to our rapidly changing environment.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Melissa Pearson, Jessup, Maryland — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:25:35 GMT

I am happy that we are able to talk about puberty and periods openly. I am 28 years old and did not get my period until I was 16 years old. My older sister was 14. Surprisingly, being the last one to get it, I was the one being made fun of. I had one friend, that got her period at 9 years old and started to wear a bra at the same time. I know that she was treated differently at school, with the boys, because she was developed and I wasn't. This can affect a child from both sides of the fence. I understand that most parents do not want their child to grow up too quickly, but we need to think of the late bloomers too.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Family Physician, on call — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:51:46 GMT

Blame, guilt, blame, guilt ad infinitum. Stop it now! Yes, there may be exceptional circumstances with early 'maturity' that merit informed medical evaluation... Nevertheless, above are posted several rational, synoptic, and coherent perspectives by supportive parents such as Dan Gage and J. of Austin, TX. Basically, love your children unconditionally, communicate and inform endlessly, and rejoice in infinite support on the endless variation of our human biology. Family Physician

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Jane Doe — Fri, 02 May 2008 19:43:33 GMT

I was 10 when i first got my period, and i had no clue in the world what it was. I was worried, cause i was bleeding and didn't know why. I lived with a single parent, my dad, and he saw the tissues in the bin, and surprised me by saying, "Are you starting your period?". I was like what, what is that? He explained it all to me.
So granted, there are men out there who know what what it is, why it happens and deal with it. I know a lot of girls who got their periods early in life like that, not surprising really. Maybe because im a girl, and thats something almost every woman knows, and men, not so much.

But it's nice for you to know, at least you learned something that's always been around.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Jen, NC — Fri, 02 May 2008 21:51:17 GMT

I agree with a previous post that it is not "innocence lost" it IS a normal bodily funtion; just like breastfeeding is normal but for some reason many girls grow up to think its GROSS....wonder why THAT is. Anywho, I think that girls starting their periods younger may also be related to the hormones being put in milk. I started buying nothing but hormone free organic stuff just in case:)

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Jenny, Minneapolis, MN — Sat, 03 May 2008 05:21:45 GMT

I started my period when I was around 12. My mom and dad were both very supportive of me, giving me the whole "talk" and giving me all the information that I wanted to know. I was fully prepared for it, and honestly, almost eight years later, I can say that it's not a big deal. Sure, it can be annoying, but it means my body is working normally.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

LLRich — Sat, 03 May 2008 05:49:48 GMT

ANother theory undiscussed is the simple overabundance of calories triggering early puberty. There are studies that show that alone can make other animals both mature faster and die younger.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Z B — Sun, 04 May 2008 22:54:26 GMT

I'm 21, and have had my period for about 10 years. Getting my period at 11 wasn't a big deal for me, I actually thought I was very old, especially since I hadn't really developed much in the way of breasts etc. Turned out that by 13 I had finished puberty for all intents and purposes, and I still didn't look like a woman. To this day I still don't feel I look like a woman, I actually have to fight very hard for other adults to take me seriously.

My point is, early periods don't really signal an onset of anything more than an early period. I wasn't sexually active for a very long time, and I had no desire to be. I wasn't "marinating in hormones" - if I was, I let it out on the Backstreet Boys. I had a boyfriend at age 13 but didn't become intimate with him until I was 18. I still felt like a child, and I still feel like I'm growing up today. Part of the reason for that is because I didn't have any of the sexual hang ups and associations with my period that a lot of the mothers on this board seem to have. I have to thank my mother, a paediatrician, for that.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Amy, NY — Mon, 05 May 2008 02:54:33 GMT

My daughter began developing pubic hair at age 7. After many sleepless nights, I badgered my pediatrician into talking to a pediatric endocrinologist. The pediatric endocrinologist stated what has already been written above: earlier onset of puberty is common, obesity is a factor, etc. My daughter eats a very healthy diet, is extremely physically active and is thin, tall for her age, and physically fit. However, since the acceptable beginning of puberty is considered to be age 8, and my daughter was 7, they would run some blood tests. The blood tests came back with endocrine levels that were off the charts. The blood tests were repeated, with the same results. She was eventually diagnosed with Non-classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, also called Non-classical CAH. It is absolutely astounding to me that after numerous doctor visits, many doctors are unfamiliar with this disorder. This disorder, from what I have learned & researched, is often misdiagnosed as precocious puberty or never diagnosed. My daughter is now regularly monitored by a pediatric endocrinologist and is on a daily dosage of steroids to treat her disorder. It is believed that the steroid treatment is correcting a failure of her endocrine system to produce cortisol; she is now 9 years old and her blood levels have stabilized. I would recommend to any parent whose child is showing signs of "precocious puberty" to look up Non-classical CAH online, and the best resource available is the CARES Foundation-it was started by a mom whose daughter was diagnosed with Non-classical CAH. After my daughter's diagnosis, I was in a state of turmoil and I did not know what to do or where to turn. The CARES Foundation is an excellent resource. Non-classical CAH is an inherited genetic disorder, both my husband & I eventually tested positive as carriers. It is one of the most common inherited genetic disorders. Please look up Non-classical CAH if your son or daughter is showing signs of early puberty.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Adoption Ally — Mon, 05 May 2008 03:00:53 GMT

There is one significant issue involved with early onset puberty that no one here as mentioned (I don't think). Girls generally stop getting much taller when they go through puberty.

It is for this reason that we chose to put my almost 10 year old daughter on hormone supression therapy. It's not a lot of fun, believe me. She has to have a very expensive $750 shot every 28 days.

My daughter is adopted, Cambodian by birth. She was born with multiple birth defects and has a benign growth in her brain on her hypothalmus. She started exhibiting signs of puberty a few months before her 9th birthday. The problem is that she is very tiny for her age - she's the size of a 6 year old. If we had allowed nature to take its course, she would have only grown to a few inches over 4' at adulthood.

So in addition to the puberty supression therapy, she's on daily growth hormone shots. The good news is that we have a good shot at her getting to be at least 5' tall!

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Gina, Dresden, Germany (formerly Mesa, AZ) — Mon, 05 May 2008 08:41:42 GMT

Look, I'm 41 and I started my period at the age of 9 (and, no, I was nowhere near obese - not even slightly overweight). It's nothing new. Every girl walks a different path to maturity. Mine just started earlier. All we can do is prepare our daughters for the eventuality and make sure we don't emphasize the connection with sexuality. It's certainly not "innocence lost" or any other romantic notion like that. It's just a natural function of our bodies.

Also, Dave from Clarkson, you'd have to be very old to remember 12-14-year-old girls enjoying dolls and tea parties because that was not part of the "tween" scene for the average girl even in the '70s and '80s. Think makeovers, sleepovers, sneaking into R-rated movies and middle-school dances.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

C. Smith, McPherson, Kansas — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:18:15 GMT

I'm glad that two doctors are willing to speak out about the gradual, hardly noticable changes in a population's development. I didn't start as early as some (12), but I know full well the reactions from both parents. My father STILL is not comfortable with my body, let alone my bisexuality, and my mother for the longest time did treat me as a very real rival...until the fights with Dad. I hope, honestly, that others will not go through that painful separation, purely based on the fact that your body is changing...It can effect you for so many years afterwards, and it's a wound that doesn't truly heal.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

carl, hudson ohio — Tue, 06 May 2008 20:26:31 GMT

You people are crazy. Nature is Nature. Let it run its course. Do not let on to it being something to be ashamed about. Way to scare your kids. Idiots!

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

JSNQ — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:55:47 GMT

Yet another fanatic and hysterical development in America's further journey towards making sex, children and biology in general as scary and incomprehensible as possible. NEWS FLASH! NEWS FLASH! Wide varieties of people are different and develop at different rates!!! Ridiculous. You want to know what destroys innocence- I will give you a hint- it ain't the early onset of puberty in some children.Somehow i think abuse and a highly sexualized media along with inattentive parents have a lot more to do with that than the far more natural, physical development of children. And I somehow HIGHLY doubt it is a new phenomenon, but i have nothing to back that- everything else I think is common sense when your not a hysterical throwback to puritan BS.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Emily Sommers — Wed, 07 May 2008 00:58:51 GMT

I started my menstration when i was fifteen. I feel that it is sad that girls so young as eight could have to start dealing with the cramping and the sanitation pads, etc. At that age i did not really know what menstration was, i knew my mother had one, she would say "my horns are out", but for girls to have to deal with that. I have an eight year old sister, and to imagine her starting pubertry is scary. Mentaly she is not ready, i don't think any eight year old is. On the same topic, i believe i started too late. I felt out of place, all of the other girls had there's. I felt like the ugly duckling. My mother was worried, but she also started late, so we were waiting.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

alexia — Wed, 07 May 2008 03:10:11 GMT

I think its a govegnment conspiracy,they controls everything that is going on, its become communist nation, where government control food, what they put in food, and other things.People that going to run this country already in best colleges already doing what needs to be done , its funny that people still beleive in this illusion tha you can be any thing you want to be you know what you will be lucky if you get SECURE good paying job and not worry about being laid off.And most likely if your parents will not leave you a millions, the chances you will not be rich. Pretty depressing? yeh... I know for me and my family if we don't make the money by the time we are 55, than my kids is going to be strugguling just like us, and with each generation its harder to make money and start from beginning, yeh America is not what it used to be.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Alison, Hamilton, Canada — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:14:13 GMT

There was this study being done by Canadian Biologist regarding male fish changing sex due to horomones found in the water (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080216095726.htm). Although I do not have a PHD, I whole-heartedly agree that there is something in the water. The study suggests that the horomones used in birth control pills and HRT, when excreted through urination (or not being used and being flushed down the toilet) go into municipal water. In addition, horomones found in consumables (meats, milk, etc.) can also be a contributing factor in this phenomenon. I also remember hearing something in conjuction with soy products and hormonal balances in females (used in replacement for HRT). I am not quite sure if soy products can induce "precocious puberty" (as before mentioned, I do not have a PHD). I believe that instead of thinking that this is a conspiracy theory, we all have to step back and realize how much we are actually contributing to this problem and how we can make a change. Regardless, more studies should be performed to determine exactly what is going.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Peggy, Los Angeles, California — Fri, 09 May 2008 23:29:15 GMT

My daughter is 10. She started showing signs of precocious puberty at 5. She had x-rays (to determine bone growth which was advanced), blood tests and a CT scan to make sure she didn't have a tumor. Her hormones were high. Her father and I took her to a pediatric endocrinologist who prescribed Lupron injections monthly. We did that from 7 - 8 years then stopped because she developed seemingly overnight severe panic attacks, and anxiety. I believe the Lupron did that. She's almost 11 and although looks older and is tall she hasn't started periods yet. Her panic and anxiety are minimal. If I could do it over again... I wouldn't inject her with anything. What's worse than a hormonal 8 year old? A hormonal 8 year old with panic attacks.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

teannah, st louis, mo — Sat, 10 May 2008 03:09:42 GMT

I thought early puberty was tied to better diets and healthcare, which absolutely makes sense.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

teannah, st louis, mo — Sat, 10 May 2008 03:13:42 GMT

By the way, I agree totally with J, austin tx. These girls are not sick, they are just growing up. All children are growing up earlier today, it's just that girls have actual physical signs.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

James Francis, Houston, TX — Sat, 10 May 2008 04:36:05 GMT

Sheesh! Maybe it's caused by flying saucers!
Think like mother nature folks, for a clue.
There are good years, where there's lots of food, and young mothers have lots to eat, and lean years, when there's barely enough to keep one person alive, much less two. When do you want mothers to bear childern? In the fat years, of course. Much healthier children, much better survival rate. And how do you tell which years are the fat years .... well, fat says it. If a young woman has lots of excess fat, then this must be a good year, so lets get on with sex while the getting's good! Next year might be starvation time... if it weren't for the modern invention of supermarkets. But mother nature doesn't know about Kroegers.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Penny Silver, Maple City, Michigan — Sat, 10 May 2008 14:07:55 GMT

If innocence was defined as oblivious to the natural process of puberty, then I'd say yes, they lost that "innocence". But come on people! Puberty is to be celebrated whether it's before you expected it, or not! This is a grand opportunity to talk to your kids and lay and a foundation for positive body image that will last for years, maybe a life time. Don't do them a disservice and try to hide it or somehow mourn this event. Talk and celebrate!

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

dianne, lagrange, indiana — Sun, 11 May 2008 20:48:06 GMT

I started my period when I was 10. I wasn't overweight in the least and the food we ate was what most in the 70's/80's ate, but we RARELY ate fast food. It didn't scar me to start at 10, I didn't become a 'woman'. I was still a little girl and thankfully, the pad companies came out with pads that stuck in my underwear rather than those STRAPS my sisters and mom used to wear.

Nowadays, I look at my soon to be 9 year old daughter and hope she gets genes from her dad's side and doesn't start until she's a bit older.
As far as food products and obesity, we eat fast food around once a week and I make sure the milk I buy says 'no hormones'. Those hormones affect BOYS as well as girls, MEN and women alike. I wish they'd ban them, but money is money and the more they make the better I suppose, regardless of how it all trickles down to you and me.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Lori, Parket AZ — Mon, 12 May 2008 06:15:13 GMT

Wake up and smell the coffee people..........it is a part of life. I started mine at 9 (I am 42), my daughter at 10, my mother at 10, and my grandmother at 9...........This is nothing new. Don't sweat the small stuff.........Worry about drug and alcohol.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

BV, Joliet IL — Wed, 14 May 2008 22:58:46 GMT

I started my period at 11, and my mom started at 12 (in the 1950s). There's nothing early at all about that. At least for a while I was one of the taller girls in my class, and I enjoyed it. :)

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Patricia Denney Nevadac — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:55:29 GMT

It is growth hormones in food especially milk and meat. That is causing our children to mature early as it does cattle. Buy organic food and slow down your childs maturity

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Jaymz, Clovis, NM — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:51:35 GMT

This girl started her menarche at 8 months and gave birth to her first child at 5 years old (by her very very sick father). She was born in 1933. Some people just start younger than others.
The change in the average age isn't large enough to prove anything because there will always be some variation. It also has to do with record keeping. People usually didn't talk about or report this sort of thing because it is just something women go through. We can't draw conclusions from incomplete information.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Dede- Wellington, Florida — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:50:47 GMT

I'm not a scientist- so I can't say hormones haven't made some difference, however my feeling is that age has always been quite variable when it comes to a girl's first period- even within a family. My mom had her first period at age 8 or 10. Yet, I didn't have my first period until age 16!! I believe lifestyle factors are more linked to the age becoming slightly younger and other factors- including obesity and other media related issues.

The difference now compared to when I was young is the media pressure for girls to be like their "idols". This starts at much too young of an age. I don't have a daughter, but if I did, I would closly monitor her exposure to the pressures of conformity to a certain "type" of person to be. Even my son as a child was monitored closely as to what he was exposed to and watched on television. Not any network programming and very little Disney or Nickelodeon, but things like Discovery, History Channel and Animal Planet. (In addition- channels like Disney and Nickelodeon feature adverstisements that promote products not necessarily healthy for children- fast food commericals and junk food as well as the best and latest toys you just have to have because everyone else has it too). My son not only was entertained by watching these more educational stations but learned as he watched and these were shows we could watch as a family. Most television children watch gives them messages of poor social skills, materialism and an unrealistic view of "reality". Also, parents being available and able to discuss any subjects openly and honestly with their children is invaluable.

My son, although far from perfect, has never been influenced by brand name sneakers or styles of dress, including letting his boxers and back end show because his pants hang around his ankles- even though he did start his puberty at a relatively young age. He is making it through without too much turmoil.

Parents can make adjustments when nature tries to add to children trying to grow up too quickly. Even if they are dealt an early puberty- parental checks and balances can help keep their mental age appropriate to their birth age.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

nancy nichols ohio — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:48:14 GMT

i work for an ob/gyn md. i complete and review all pt. medical histories with include age at menarche. our pt. base has a very wide spread of ages. i can honestly say that i see no increase of early menarche in our younger pts. many of our elderly pts. began menses at what may be considered an early age. as a result of my observations, i do not think that this issue is a new phenomenon but rather has been ongoing and only recently noticed. i certainly do not think that onset of menses results in sexualization at any age.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Elle M., Providence, RI — Thu, 15 May 2008 22:45:27 GMT

re: Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

In answer to some comments: Societies in which girls marry at puberty have a high death rate among these young girls(and their babies), as their bodies are not developed enough to give birth. They also have tissue damage, as their vaginal tissues are not tough enough yet to bear with sexual activity. There are international efforts to raise marriage ages to 18, so girls' bodies at least will be developed enough to bear a child safely, and so that they can stay in school and learn to read and have skills, and not just be the ignorant slave of a man. In too many countries, pubescent girls are often married against their will to older men; but just because a practice is widespread or historical, does not make it right. Just because someone can have sex, does not mean that they must.
I remember an old program on PBS that credited human intelligence to the "long childhood" of humans (as compared to other animals). The normal pre-pubescent child (that is, one who has not been abused) has a sense of wonder of the world, an open-ness to learning, and is free of the social pressures that puberty brings. But even with the raging hormones that make focusing difficult, a supportive family can help children with early-onset puberty realize that being happy with yourself is still more important than attracting a mate at 10, 12 or 14 years old.
Another concern of early puberty, is that it may slow down growth, so that the child is shorter than she (or he) could have been.
I agree these children need adults to look after them: Until their emotional and intellectual maturity catches up with their bodies, they may be vulnerable to those among us who view sexual maturity as making someone "fair game".

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Caitlin — Fri, 16 May 2008 00:25:49 GMT

Okay, I am thirteen years old and I started menstruation when I was elven. I am not "traumatized" because of this. I am fine. Yes I have pubic hair and budding breasts. I am fine. I have friends I am a healthy weight. I eat right and excersise. My innocence has not been "stolen" as some of you people have implied. We have more serious things to worry about then our daughters needing a box of tampons every month. What about the economy, the war on terror, crime, and drugs. Grow up people, your children are so why aren't you?

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Jo Rown, phoenix az — Fri, 16 May 2008 03:57:32 GMT

To the person that stated the average age of starting periods was 19 in 1900, oh please, that was just the time females were getting married off and having babies at 14 or 16 , even younger sometimes,and not just in this country, all over the world. I'd like to know where you get your information? My own great grandmother was very young when she came here from Europe and was married and had children.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Gayle, Hood River, OR — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:29:03 GMT

When I was in the 4th grade a classmate of mine told me that she had just had her first period. I had no idea what she was talking about at the time. She was not overweight. That was almost 30 years ago.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Gemma W. Austin, Texas — Fri, 16 May 2008 09:48:09 GMT

I started puberty at the age of 7. There was no sexual awakening at this age, as someone else mentioned, nor did it happen in my early teens. I was nearly an adult by that time.

It was at times awkward and embarassing to be treated much older than I was. If this is the case with my daughter, I will not expect her to be all grown up and just let her be a kid like I wish I was allowed to be!

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Betty — Fri, 16 May 2008 10:31:15 GMT

My daughter was 11 around the same time I started mine. She took it much better than I did at that age. We were both going through our clothes and trying on stuff to see what we still fit in or wanted to keep, and I noticed it and I just said "oops, I think you got your little friend," then I went to get her a pad. When I handed it to her I said take this little mattress and I pray you know what to do with it! She giggled.. I told her I was scared when I first got mine, but really it's no big deal after a while, and that all her friends will get their or even have theirs already. Then I told her how I really hate to keep getting mine once a month, and how I know that God has to be a man because they don't get them! We laughed about that and she gave me a hug and I told her she will always be my little girl no matter how old she is! Then she told me that it's no big deal her best friend already had hers and she knew she'd get hers soon too. She said she was worried that I would freak out when it happened, but she was shocked to see me happy, possitive and joking around and light about the subject! I guess that when I was her age I felt too distant from my mother and couldn't really open up and feel comfortable talking about much, that made me feel really alone and afraid. I'm glad that my daughter feels comfortable with me and can talk about anything. She's 15 now and my son is 18, they both are able to talk to me easily. To this day I can't really talk to my mom since she shuts out emotion, has negative responses, judges or labels everyone, turns her back, and never gave hugs or held us except when we were really little. It was really hard on me since I was the sensitive one and was always so emotional. (I was adopted and never fit in!) It's important to stay close to your kids and be a friend. Live, Love & Laugh..Together!

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

DragonRich, Virgin Islands — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:58:48 GMT

Steriods and hormones in the food we eat affect our bodies everyday. They have a profound effect on children whose bodies are still growing/maturing. I don't think a menstrual cycle is dirty or a "loss of innocence", but it is a sign that the body is maturing at a faster rate than expected (in an 8 year old at least). We are going to have to come to grips with the long term effects of wanting more meat, bigger eggs, larger chicken legs, larger turkeys, etc;. In 20 years we will have kids who are now sexually attracted to one another because their bodies (hormones) have turned on much faster than we expected. The price of Gluttony!

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

nicole, michigan — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:29:23 GMT

Ok I started my period when I was 9, and no I was not overweight... but I knew it was coming, my mother and all 6 of my aunts had started between the ages of 9 and 11, i'm 24 now and I remember my mother being super excited and supportive. But even with the support at home I felt very self conscious at school, and I took extreme lengths to hide the fact... I certainly had no interest in boy and in fact I started to dislike them even more to try and make myself act younger with the whole "little girls hate little boys" mentality. Eventually my mother noticed how secretive I was being during that time of the month and had another talk, and we decided it was better if I just acted like myself, other than how I thought I should act. So I went back to playing my 4-sqaure and tether ball, and just let nature take its course. And even then it wasn't until 7th grade that I even decided I wanted a boyfriend, and even then it was just holding hands in public, and maybe an embarrassing kiss when our friends weren't watching. But things have definitely changed now, where my 8 year old niece has several boyfriends, but even she doesn't want her period, and she thinks having a boyfriend is holding hands and maybe a kiss on the cheek, And as for being overweight being a factor, I noticed that all of my "heavy" friends didn't start until high school, and that was at least 4 girls that i've known since kindergarten... but its possible they were outliers

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Katharn Gaylor-Clawson, Carbondale, Illinois — Sat, 17 May 2008 11:59:47 GMT

I used to believe there was something wrong with me, that I'd offended God (Catholic Guilt) so his punishment was to make me an adult on the outside. My breasts began to develope when I was 6 years old in 1968, in 1970 my periods began and I had a growth spurt by age 9 I was 5'2 and as tall as I'd ever be. My natural breast size was and still is a 40D before I was 10. Here I was with a child's mind and the body of an adult. Grown men made passes and I didn't understand what they meant. Male relatives molested me and I had no friends. To say my childhhod was a nightmare is more than an understatement. My father, a doctor, died when all this began and my mother never tried to understand, or explain. When I got my first period I was at school and thought I was dying. The school nurse explained what was happening and helped calm me. She then called my mother to come bring me home. Mom refused, she said I was the one who couldn't wait to grow up! My childhhod ended when I was 6 years old and my adulthood began at the same age. Precocious puberty is misunderstood by parents and peers, it's even harder to live with since you are caught between two worlds, that of childhood which you lose far too young and adulthood that you enter far too young. I was raped at 16 and got pregnant, the baby lived a week and everyone blamed me because I was always different. My husband also had Precocious puberty, we met on a blind date and wed 2 weeks before my 18th birthday. That was 28 years ago. Today I am 46 and he is 50, neither of us were ever children so when we had children of our own we took parenting classes. He and I understand each other in ways no one else ever can. We married for love and gained a friendship unlike any other, but it doesn't erase our past. Precocious puberty makes you old before your time and more parents should be made aware of how it effects their kids. Thankfully when it struck our son we knew how to deal with it to help him, also thankfully it did not strike our daughter. We made it through the rain as Barry Manilow wrote in my favorite song, and we are still standing as Elton John sang about, but it was a long hard road and one we'd never wish on anyone. Education of this disorder is the key to saving other children from suffering as we have.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Ashen Phoenix, Seattle, Wash. — Fri, 30 May 2008 03:01:23 GMT

It's sad when people think that puberty causes a loss of innocence. It's sad when people try to hold their children back so that they cannot blossom into wonderful human beings. No matter what happens, our kids will have to grow up, whether it's in late teens, early 20s, or (as of late) 30s and beyond. Instead of worrying about how horrible it is your child started puberty at 8, how about celebrating the fact that they will eventually know the joy you did when you found out you were going to be a parent? How about you buck up, stop fighting nature, and actually teach your kids about their bodies. Not just sex, but everything. Most young female adults, even, don't know anything about their cycle except that they bleed for a few days. Society has even twisted that... now it's a horrible secret you have to hide when you're on your period. Girls are filled with such shame with their bodies.

Parents are completely dodging the subject of sex too because they think that sex is dirty, that their children will be a whore if they even so much as know about it-until of course they're what our society calls adults, which is magically 18.

And if you're worried about your teens not being mature enough to handle being sexually active, you've obviously done something wrong. Teach them about not only abstinence, but also using condoms when they do decide to have sex, because it is a completely natural human desire. Help them find contraceptives instead of keeping them from having sex, because that's where most prom night dumpster babies come from.

To sum it up, be the parent and GUIDE them, don't try to CONTROL them. You'll be much happier and so will your kids-they'll also be stronger adults when the time comes. Celebrate their milestones, and not just the academic ones. I hate to say it, but school isn't everything. Sometimes it just takes good old hard work.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

m. missouri — Fri, 30 May 2008 04:28:18 GMT

I am twelve, I started last year and I'm not freaking out like you people are!!! like jeez if it doesn't bother your children please get over it and focus on better things intsteand of mother nature being horrible for causing purberty:P

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

R Parker, Jacksonville,Fl — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:13:32 GMT

My daughter is 10 and we had our talk. Which I was scared to death. I kept thinking, please god help me say the right thing and not confuse her. My mother never had the talk with me. She just said you don't have sex until you are married.What was that? My daughter is going through puberty, breast, hair in areas she is not happy with. Some of her friends at school have not experienced puberty yet. I started my period at age 11, I still remember that day. My daughter has not started, but we will get through this together as a family. My husband is supportive a 100%. We also have 7 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. I feel we are giving our children a much better support system than when I was a kid.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Brandi, New York — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:39:45 GMT

Interesting that 8 years old is in the range of time of getting a menstrual cycle. When a child that young and even younger starts getting their period, sometimes it is because of sexual abuse. Not always, but this has been the case in some instances of early onset of the menstrual cycle.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

EDAvey, Canandaigua NY — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:14:24 GMT

Environmental estrogens are pervasive and potent. When the hormonal ingredients are present, emotions and desires are present - long before the brain has matured enough to understand the full consequences of sexual behavior. So what is the response of our government/school system? (Proven ineffective)Abstinence education, of course: blame the girls and stigmatize them for early sexual activitiy, restrict birth control, and so on... Do we go after the industries profiting from pumping the chemicals into the environment? Absolutely not - they contribute heavily to political campaigns.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

HM, Napoleon, OHIO — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:30:22 GMT

All these people blaming Bovine Growth Hormones - how barbaric! You do know that menses occurred at an early age all through history, don't you. Who was putting hormones in the food back then? There are way too many variables in this equation. And menses does not equate to loosing your innocence.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

genclarck@msnbc.com — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:27:03 GMT

I am a woman in my mid twenties, who experienced my first menstruation at age 8. I was already familiar with the idea of menstruation (my parents had explained this as a normal biological process, that did not have any emotional/social implications in terms of "innocence" or "maturity"). Because of this, the early experience was not in the least traumatic.

However, I soon found that certain adults around me, teachers and sports instructors in particular, reacted in ways that made me feel uncomfortable and ashamed. I was often treated with pity, or curiosity, and singled out from other children. While all girls were forced to change together prior to swimming classes, I was not allowed to do so, for fear that my "unusual" body would scare other children. Furthermore, there were practical difficulties that made it very difficult to be discreet about menstruation. For instance, if I got my period early one month, it was impossible to buy or borrow sanitary napkins in school. I was only able to reconcile myself with menstruation in high school, where I was no longer singled out as different.

I feel that as public awareness about early onset puberty increases, this phenomenon will cease to be a problem entirely. Once appropriate facilities - such as safety disposal boxes in public bathrooms, and free sanitary napkin dispensers in bathrooms - and support systems - such as teachers who have been educated to think of menstruation as normal and acceptable, and to make this clear when dealing with children - there will be no reason for menstruation to be stigmatized. It will become a small and unremarkable event punctuating the lives of girls and women. There will be no need to be scared, ashamed or sad about early onset puberty.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Lynne Reid. London UK — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:09:01 GMT

I had my first period at 9 - and my first sexual partner at 20 yrs old. I eally think that it is way off base to make the assumption that early menarche leads to earlier sexual activity. Furthermore, recently I discovered I have a genetic 'molymorphism' - CYP3A4 *1/*1B, which is associated with early menarche (and more worryingly with a higher risk for breast cancer) I am very interested, and worried about the part envoronmental factors play - but my opinion now is quite simply that the onset of puberty is, quite simply, determined by your genetic makeup.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Jane Doe, Knoxville, TN — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:03:30 GMT

There was a study that found correlation of earlier onset of puberty with body mass. The kids just move less and eat more. Other factors as oversexed culture matter too, however, these are hard to quantify. I wish doctors were in a habit of reading medical journals, very few do.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

PJ, Los Angeles, CA — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:43:11 GMT

My 8 year old daughter was having blood in her urine one day and we brought her to the doctor for tests after tests and found nothing wrong, we thought she might have kidney problem since it runs in our family but later on she got her period, unbeknown to all of us and our doctor she was being molested by someone in school and this caused her early onset of period. I just want parents to take precaution and not take this thing lightly as just an "early" period.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Salena, Chicago IL — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:33:06 GMT

I had my first period when I was 9 years old. I developed very early. I ended up at the doctors office for the pain and the cramps not because I didn't know what was happening to me. In my family we talked openly about the body changes. We had the talk several times as we grew up with our mother. My period to me didn't come as a shock because I was already prepared. To answer some of those questions. I was 5'11" tall at nine years old and was very lean and fit I did nothing but swim and sports all day. I hardly ate any meat at all and sort of grew up on a sea food and vegetable diet. Most of which were either home grown without pesticides and freshly fetched fish products from the Adriatic . I can't blame chemicals for the way I grew or the way my body reacted because I ate mostly organic food and I breathed the cleanest air. I don't mind that I got my period so early It didn't change much except that every month I had to experience pain. That was not fun.

All of you freaked out parents it is natural for you to worry, but instead of having to
bombard your kids with the talk when they get their periods you should have done it sooner. I didn't loose my innocence because I didn't find out anything new. It was all normal for me. No biggie. I had a first boyfriend at 18 years old. I was so informed thanks to my mom and some internet
research that no guy could trick me to do something stupid or even get me to do something I felt uncomfortable with. I married the first person I had sex with. My third boyfriend. lol I ended up very selective. I was fully developed sooner than everyone else but had sex last out of all of my friends. My mother had the same approach
with my little brother and he didn't have sex until he was 18 I think that is pretty good considering we now live in Chicago and he is very tall and handsome. I think everyone needs to calm down and try making sex so uneventful and stop sensationalizing it tell them it's natural. Try to inform them. Make them busy with other stuff they won't realize they need boyfriends or girlfriends until they are of a considerable age. Don't try to keep them kids. The more inform they are at a younger age the less will anyone be able to take advantage of them. It doesn't mean these kids loose their innocence it just means now they will be slightly slicker and more knowledgeable.
I didn't loose my childhood. I am in my head still a child, at 6'2" tall and 27 years old :)

Good luck to all the girls and boys.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

aging Ontario, Canada — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:25:19 GMT

I started going through puberty and stopped growing at age 7. I remember vividly the hormone shots and how painful they were. It ultimately helped me grow and I didn't get my first period until age 9 although I still developped breasts and pubic hair. My mom was supportive and very open with me about the changes in my body. My school was alos supportive and allowed me to shower and change before the other girls in my class did (having both good and bad effects - it drew further attention to the fact I was different).
I never developped into a sex fiend or shopoholic and in fact I married my first love at age 21 and was a virgin on our wedding night. Getting a period and going through puberty at an early age doesn't have to ruin your childhood. My daughter got her first period at age 12 and thankfully can't stand boys!! I did worry about precocious puberty for her also so she learned about her body and what would happen earlier than most of her friends. Overall she is a well adjusted young lady.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Miss Anderson — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:51:55 GMT

I had my period around the age of 13 (I am now 23). I didn't view my period as a loss of innocence or anything of the sort. And certainly my mum never gave any impression my childhood was over, quite the opposite. She insisted when I was 15, 16, and 17 that I was still a child. Full stop.

The biggest issue lies with other people: over obession with sexualising things, especially women, has slipped into sexualising little girls. To think that somehow a period equals a sexual being I think, personally, is a little disturbing. It's just blood, a sign that her body is changing. But it's not a Big Deal, just a pain with the extra responsibility that comes with it.

Early onset of periods needs to be a reminder of how easy it is for other people around a girl to suddenly start seeing her as a grown up when she's not.

There's so much of a rush to make our children grow up now; we need more people to put their foot and down and insist a 15 year old is not an adult. She is a child, and just because she's started her cycles and her body is changing doesn't mean she's got to start acting like an adult or experiencing things better left for adults to do. They don't need another challenge; it's hard enough to grow up in the sense of discovering who we are without people suddenly looking at us like mini sexually available/desirable women.

There's growing into a sexual being and then there's becoming a victim to society's demand for women to be seen as mostly only sexual or just sexual. That's what a girl needs protecting from, not her period.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Jacqueline C. Gallatin TN — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:10:45 GMT

my issue was just the opposite. I was almost 15 when I started. I've had nothing but problems eversince. My cycles were very heavy and lasted a minimum of 10-15 days. I didn't knoow the difference and was severely anemic and almost died from it at 18ys if age. PLEASE take your child to a gynecologist after their first cycle for a check up and regular appts. afterwards. Parental neglect in their childs development can be severe.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Gem, Pittsburgh — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:51:45 GMT

You hear of children hitting puberty early all the time in the news. There are all kind of theories about hormones and medicines in water, dairy, everything. One thing I question is birth control. Someone who has been using birth control pills, patches, or shots for years has been exposing their bodies to high doeses of hormones during that time. I wonder if those higher levels of hormones don't pre-dispose our children to hitting puberty early. I am 22 and didn't have my first period until just after I turned 12. I remember sex ed classes in 5th grade, and machines selling maxipads and tampons in the elementary schools. Even being educated, my first period was scary, shocking, and embarrasing. People have to start looking at it from a little girls perspective.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Anonymous, Somewhere, NJ — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 18:15:42 GMT

I am 14 years old, I drink 2 or 3 glasses of milk a day, and eat other dairy products. If there is anything in the milk, water or vinyl flooring, its not getting to me.. I still don't have my period yet.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Henry, LA — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:50:44 GMT

To the poster who suggests taking children to the gynocologist after the first cycle and having regular appointments.

I would think that its bad enough having to deal with changes, much less having to have someone point things out at a doctor's office on a regular basis.

I dont think that's necessary for healthy development and for dealing with puberty.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

L, NJ. — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:42:57 GMT

While I am not a parent I would like to weigh in here. I got my first period when I was ten years old, and I have to say getting it that early didn't really affect my life that much. I did not become "sexualized" in any way, nor did I feel I really lost my innocence. But the truth is, my childhood wasn't exactly "care-free" so any stress involved with mentstruation was just more of the same stress I already had. I find it interesting that studies have shown there may be links to those children with stress and those that menstruate early. My childhood was far from a breeze.
However, there is also the fact that I spent most of my life with a hormone imbalance, which thankfully, at 25, I now have under control. Whether the imbalance was in any way linked to getting my first period at age 10... is impossible to determine.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Lilly, NJ — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:12:05 GMT

To "Adoption Ally", whom I doubt will actually read this:
I have a lot of trouble believing that getting your period early means you will stop growing. I have never heard of this before, and I've certainly never seen it. Incidentally, I got my period at age 9... and am now 5ft, 11 inches tall with a 37 inch inseam (yes, finding pants is a pain in the *ss.) I continued to grow steadily until age 17. I even had a small growth spurt a few years later and grew another half inch (all leg.) I think your worries were unfounded, and that all the effort and money may have been a waste.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

cshaw1948@charter.net — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 01:10:22 GMT

I am a 60 year old Nana who is raising her 6 year old graddaughter. When at the age of 5 she developed, what the doctor called a "breast bud" I started worrying. Should I be worried? Yes, indeed. Early puberty does not run in my family. And the doctor does not seem concerned. Now, one of her breast looks different from the other as in more developed. I am very concerned and am looking for ways to reverse the effects. C Shaw, Asheville, NC

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

evelyn,west midlands,England — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:36:33 GMT

I am a twenty year old women now but started puberty eg large breasts, pubic hair .At four years old my mum took me to the doctors and i was put on zoletex deep muscle injection in the stomach to stop menstration every three weeks.It hurts quite alot and you grow up more body conscious because you don't look like the rest of the girls in your year group.I was also used as a guinea pig the doctors still haven't found out the side effects of the medicine i was given all i know is that i will go through the menopause early because my body is still roughly ten years older than me , i am also very small due to the medication stunting my growth .The doctor told my mum that in England it is common in blackgirls.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Rhonda, California — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 02:04:38 GMT

I am turning 39 next month.

I went through puberty at the age of 10 1/2... right before 5th grade. I can still remember the day well.

I knew it was normal, my parents had taught me well beforehand about all of it... I hated it. But accepted it.

I will add that I was in no way overweight or tall even. I'm only barely 5'2 now as an adult.

It did not grow me up any faster than if I had matured later. I still played with my dolls. I still was a girl child in every respect.

It did not even remotely lead to a loss of innocence.

I had my first child at age 30. I think the thing I hate most, was I dealt with the monthly invasion for nearly 2 decades, before I ever had my child.

I was a kid, until I outgrew being one.

I honestly think our environment has a large part on the changes, at least, in the "lost innocence category". The rolemodels now are teens, who want to be grownups.

These weren't my role models. I rarely could watch TV, and I wasn't allowed to even have a Barbie doll until I was 11.

I was a kid, through and through.

And I'm still a kid at heart.

Rhonda, Ca.

Lost innocence or hormonal hazard?

Charlene ,Toronto Canada — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:53:53 GMT

My daughter is 7 turning 8 in 3 months and she just ahd her first menstration, i brought her to her doctors which he reallay wasn't helpful besides telling me to make her completeley organic, we go to see a specialist next week.. i am shattered by how hard it will be for her....