Onset of Early Puberty More Likely to Happen to Hispanic and African- American Girls

The onset of early puberty, defined as showing some kind of breast development, is happening earlier and earlier to American girls, especially Hispanic and African American girls.  A comprehensive study showed that more 7 and 8-year old girls were going into early puberty; double the rate from the last time the study was done.

Fifteen percent of all 7-year old Hispanic girls are now showing an early onset of puberty versus 10.4% for their white counterparts.  In the 8-year old category the numbers are more alarming with 31% of Hispanic girls and 43% of African American girls going into early puberty.  Regardless of ethnicity, numbers are on the rise alarming medical professionals.

Psychologically most girls cannot handle the sexual pressures that come from a mature body and onset of early puberty has been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.  Rising obesity rates were identified as the lead contributor to early puberty though other environmental causes have not been ruled out.

Fifteen percent of all 7-year old Hispanic girls are now showing an early onset of puberty versus 10.4% for their white counterparts.  In the 8-year old category the numbers are more alarming with 31% of Hispanic girls and 43% of African American girls going into early puberty.  Regardless of ethnicity, numbers are on the rise alarming medical professionals.

Psychologically most girls cannot handle the sexual pressures that come from a mature body and onset of early puberty has been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.  Rising obesity rates were identified as the lead contributor to early puberty though other environmental causes have not been ruled out.