A recent study has raised concerns about the potential role of environmental chemicals in triggering early puberty in girls. The research, published in the journal Endocrinology, found that certain chemicals commonly found in everyday products, such as fragrances and household cleaners, may disrupt hormones in the brain that regulate puberty.
The study tested over 10,000 environmental compounds on human brain cells to determine their impact on puberty-related hormones. Puberty is primarily controlled by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain responsible for regulating hormone production. This gland triggers physical changes in girls, such as breast development and menstruation.
The research, led by scientists from the National Institutes of Health and Northwestern University, suggests that these environmental chemicals may play a significant role in the trend of earlier puberty, which has been increasingly observed over the past few decades. This trend is more pronounced in girls from lower-income families and communities of color.
While genetics and diet are known factors that contribute to the timing of puberty, growing evidence points to environmental exposures as another significant factor. Everyday products, as well as food and beverages, may expose individuals to these chemicals.
The study identified several compounds that interact with receptors involved in puberty regulation, potentially causing the hypothalamus to activate the reproductive system prematurely. Early puberty has been linked to long-term health risks such as reduced fertility, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer.
Toxic Chemical Exposure
One chemical highlighted in the study is musk ambrette, a fragrance ingredient commonly found in low-cost and counterfeit perfumes, air fresheners, and personal care items. When tested on animal cells, musk ambrette was shown to trigger the release of hormones responsible for puberty, leading to the production of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
Although musk ambrette has been banned for use in cosmetics by the European Union and Canada, it may still be present in products with undisclosed “fragrances” on the label, as well as in imported or secondhand goods. It can also contaminate food and beverages.
The study also examined a second group of chemicals called cholinergic agonists, which control muscle movement and memory. Researchers found that these chemicals could activate a receptor that mimics the body’s natural puberty hormones, potentially leading to early puberty. While cholinergic agonists are mainly found in prescription medications, chemicals with similar structures could also be responsible.
Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals
Previous studies have shown connections between chemical exposure and early menstruation, particularly with endocrine-disrupting chemicals that interfere with hormone function. These include PFAS, phthalates, and phenols, which are known to cause hormone disruption.
Reducing Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
Although it is impossible to completely avoid exposure to harmful chemicals, there are steps that individuals can take to reduce their risk:
- Choose safer products by using resources such as the Healthy Living app, Skin Deep database, and Guide to Healthy Cleaning, which identify products with high safety ratings.
- Avoid products with undisclosed “fragrance” labels, as they may contain harmful chemicals like musk ambrette. Look for products that fully disclose fragrance ingredients or carry the EWG Verified® mark.
- Consult guides on toxic chemicals to learn more about exposure risks and how to minimize them.
