Disorders of Puberty in Girls

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aviva B. Sopher ◽  
Sharon E. Oberfield ◽  
Selma F. Witchel
Keyword(s):  
Pulse Generator ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Breast Development ◽  
Delayed Puberty ◽  
Socioeconomic Conditions ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Pubertal Onset ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting

AbstractPuberty is the process through which reproductive competence is achieved and comprises gonadarche and adrenarche. Breast development is the initial physical finding of pubertal onset in girls and typically occurs between 8 and 13 years. Menarche normally occurs 2 to 3 years after the onset of breast development. Pubertal onset is controlled by the gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse generator in the hypothalamus; however, environmental factors such as alterations in energy balance and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can alter the timing of pubertal onset. Improvement in nutritional and socioeconomic conditions over the past two centuries has been associated with a secular trend in earlier pubertal onset. Precocious puberty is defined as onset of breast development prior to 8 years and can be central or peripheral. Delayed puberty can be hypogonadotropic or hypergonadotropic and is defined as lack of breast development by 13 years or lack of menarche by 16 years. Both precocious and delayed puberty may have negative effects on self-esteem, potentially leading to psychosocial stress. Patients who present with pubertal differences require a comprehensive assessment to determine the underlying etiology and to devise an effective treatment plan.

Urinary bisphenol A levels in Turkish girls with premature thelarche

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (10) ◽  
pp. 1007-1016 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Durmaz ◽  
A Asci ◽  
P Erkekoglu ◽  
A Balcı ◽  
I Bircan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bisphenol A ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Breast Development ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Endocrine Disorders ◽  
Pediatric Endocrinology ◽  
Premature Thelarche ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Prepubertal Girls

There is a growing concern over the timing of pubertal breast development and its possible association with exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is abundantly used to harden plastics. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between premature thelarche (PT) and BPA by comparing the urinary BPA levels of PT girls with those of healthy subjects. Twenty-five newly diagnosed nonobese PT subjects (aged 4–8 years) who were admitted to the Pediatric Endocrinology Department at Akdeniz University were recruited. The control group composed of 25 age-matched girls without PT and other endocrine disorders. Urinary BPA levels were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography. The median urinary concentrations of BPA were found to be significantly higher in the PT group compared to the healthy control group (3.2 vs. 1.62 μg/g creatinine, p < 0.05). We observed a weak positive correlation between uterus volume and urinary BPA levels. There was a weak correlation between estradiol and urinary BPA levels ( r = 0.166; p = 0.37); and luteinizing hormone and urinary BPA levels ( r = 0.291; p = 0.08) of PT girls. Our results suggest that exposure to BPA might be one of the underlying factors of early breast development in prepubertal girls and EDCs may be considered as one of the etiological factors in the development of PT.

scholarly journals Effects on Puberty of Nutrition-Mediated Endocrine Disruptors Employed in Agriculture

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 4184
Author(s):  
Anastasia Konstantina Sakali ◽  
Alexandra Bargiota ◽  
Ioannis G. Fatouros ◽  
Athanasios Jamurtas ◽  
Djuro Macut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Delayed Puberty ◽  
Postnatal Exposure ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Human Reproductive ◽  
System Access ◽  
The Impact

Pesticide residues are largely found in daily consumed food because of their extensive use in farming and their long half-life, which prolongs their presence in the environment. Many of these pesticides act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals after pre- or postnatal exposure, significantly affecting, among other things, the time of puberty onset, progression, and completion. In humans, precocious or delayed puberty, and early or delayed sexual maturation, may entail several negative long-term health implications. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the impact of endocrine-disrupting pesticides upon the timing of the landmarks of female and male puberty in both animals (vaginal opening, first estrus, and balanopreputial separation) and humans (thelarche, menarche, gonadarche). Moreover, we explore the possible mechanisms of action of the reviewed endocrine-disrupting pesticides on the human reproductive system. Access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food is fundamental for the maintenance of health and wellbeing. Eliminating the presence of hazardous chemicals in largely consumed food products may increase their nutritional value and be proven beneficial for overall health. Consequently, understanding the effects of human exposure to hazardous endocrine-disrupting pesticides, and legislating against their circulation, are of major importance for the protection of health in vulnerable populations, such as children and adolescents.

scholarly journals Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement

2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 293-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evanthia Diamanti-Kandarakis ◽  
Jean-Pierre Bourguignon ◽  
Linda C. Giudice ◽  
Russ Hauser ◽  
Gail S. Prins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Broad Class ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Consumer Products ◽  
Breast Development ◽  
Industrial Chemicals ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Endocrine Society ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Scientific Statement

Abstract There is growing interest in the possible health threat posed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are substances in our environment, food, and consumer products that interfere with hormone biosynthesis, metabolism, or action resulting in a deviation from normal homeostatic control or reproduction. In this first Scientific Statement of The Endocrine Society, we present the evidence that endocrine disruptors have effects on male and female reproduction, breast development and cancer, prostate cancer, neuroendocrinology, thyroid, metabolism and obesity, and cardiovascular endocrinology. Results from animal models, human clinical observations, and epidemiological studies converge to implicate EDCs as a significant concern to public health. The mechanisms of EDCs involve divergent pathways including (but not limited to) estrogenic, antiandrogenic, thyroid, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, retinoid, and actions through other nuclear receptors; steroidogenic enzymes; neurotransmitter receptors and systems; and many other pathways that are highly conserved in wildlife and humans, and which can be modeled in laboratory in vitro and in vivo models. Furthermore, EDCs represent a broad class of molecules such as organochlorinated pesticides and industrial chemicals, plastics and plasticizers, fuels, and many other chemicals that are present in the environment or are in widespread use. We make a number of recommendations to increase understanding of effects of EDCs, including enhancing increased basic and clinical research, invoking the precautionary principle, and advocating involvement of individual and scientific society stakeholders in communicating and implementing changes in public policy and awareness.

Psychological Effects of Precocious and Delayed Puberty

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura M. Derose ◽  
Julia A. Graber
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Pubertal Development ◽  
Pubic Hair ◽  
Breast Development ◽  
Delayed Puberty ◽  
Sex Characteristics ◽  
African American Girls ◽  
Pubertal Onset ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Hair Development

The timing of pubertal onset is marked by substantial variability within the range of normative development. Pubertal onset has mainly been measured by appearance of secondary sex characteristics—pubic hair development across sexes, and breast development in girls and testicular development in boys. This chapter provides statistics for the average age of pubertal onset, including findings for how average age differs by race. The two major types of pubertal disorders, precocious puberty and delayed puberty, are described, with a brief synopsis of the possible causes (for a comprehensive review of medical causes, see Grumbach and Styne 2003). The major focus of the chapter is on the psychological and behavioral consequences of precocious and delayed puberty. Although the majority of research on this topic has included nonclinical samples (onset or delay of puberty nearing 2 standard deviations [SD] from the mean), findings would be applicable to children who exhibit clinical precocious or delayed puberty (onset or delay of puberty >2 SDs from the mean). Finally, the chapter reviews the clinical practices for “treating” puberty that is normative by pediatric standards. Breast budding is generally the first sexual characteristic to appear in females, and is most commonly classified by Marshall and Tanner’s (1969) five stages of development. Breast development begins in the United States between ages 8 and 13, with a mean age of 9.96 for Caucasian girls and a mean age of 8.87 for African American girls (Herman-Giddens et al. 1997). Pubic hair development typically begins shortly after breast budding; however approximately 20 percent of girls experience pubic hair development prior to breast budding (Brooks-Gunn and Reiter 1990). Pubic hair development also begins between the ages of 8 and 13 years, with a mean age 10.5 years in Caucasian girls and 8.8 years for African American girls (Herman-Giddens et al. 1997). Menarche is a late sign of pubertal development in girls and occurs following the peak in height velocity and during the rapid increase in weight and body fat (Tanner 1978). The mean age of menarche in North America is 12.88 years for Caucasian girls and 12.16 years for African American girls (Herman-Giddens et al. 1997).

scholarly journals A putative adverse outcome pathway network for disrupted female pubertal onset to improve testing and regulation of endocrine disrupting chemicals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delphine Franssen ◽  
Terje Svingen ◽  
David Lopez Rodriguez ◽  
Majorie Van Duursen ◽  
Julie Boberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Method Development ◽  
Adverse Outcome ◽  
Pubertal Timing ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Adverse Outcome Pathway ◽  
Pubertal Onset ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Alternative Test

The average age for pubertal onset in girls has declined over recent decades. Epidemiological studies in humans and experimental studies in animals suggest a causal role for Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) that are present in our environment. Of concern, current testing and screening regimens are inadequate in identifying EDCs that may affect pubertal maturation, not least because they do not consider early-life exposure. Also, the causal relationship between EDC exposure and pubertal timing is still a matter of debate. To address this issue, we have used current knowledge to elaborate a network of putative Adverse Outcome Pathways (pAOPs) to identify how chemicals can affect pubertal onset. By using the AOP framework, we highlight current gaps in mechanistic understanding that needs to be addressed and simultaneously point towards events causative of pubertal disturbance that could be exploited for alternative test methods. We propose six pAOPs that could explain the disruption of pubertal timing by interfering with the central hypothalamic trigger of puberty, GnRH neurons, and by so doing highlight specific modes of action that could be targeted for alternative test method development.

scholarly journals Association of Early Pubertal Onset in Female Rats with Inhalation of Lavender Oil

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoo-Mi Kim ◽  
Han H. Lim
Keyword(s):  
Precocious Puberty ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Central Precocious Puberty ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Vaginal Opening ◽  
Lavender Oil ◽  
Hormone Levels ◽  
Pubertal Onset ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Body Weights

Abstract Background Central precocious puberty is caused by early activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis but its major cause remains unclear. Studies have indicated an association between chronic environmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and pubertal onset. Methods To evaluate this association, we compared the hormone levels and timing of vaginal opening in female rats exposed to lavender oil (LO) through different routes [study groups: control, LO nasal spray (LS), and indoor exposure to LO (LE)] during the prepubertal period. The body weights of the animals were also compared every 3 days until the day of vaginal opening, at which time gonadotropin levels and internal organ weights were assessed. Results The LS group showed early vaginal opening at 33.8 ± 1.8 days compared with the control (38.4 ± 2.9 days) and LE (36.6 ± 1.5 days) groups. Additionally, luteinizing hormone levels were significantly higher in the LE and LS groups than in the control group. Body weights did not differ significantly among the groups. Conclusions Exposure to an exogenic simulant via inhalation during the prepubertal period triggered early puberty onset in female rats. Further evaluation of exposure to other endocrine-disrupting chemicals capable of inducing central precocious puberty through the skin, orally, and/or nasally is warranted.

scholarly journals Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Early Puberty in Girls

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 492
Author(s):  
Anastasios Papadimitriou ◽  
Dimitrios T Papadimitriou
Keyword(s):  
Growth Pattern ◽  
Secular Trend ◽  
Pubertal Timing ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
The Other ◽  
Minor Effect ◽  
Early Puberty ◽  
Pubertal Onset ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
A Minor

In recent decades, pubertal onset in girls has been considered to occur at an earlier age than previously. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been associated with alterations in pubertal timing, with several reports suggesting that EDCs may have a role in the secular trend in pubertal maturation, at least in girls. However, relevant studies give inconsistent results. On the other hand, the majority of girls with idiopathic precocious or early puberty present the growth pattern of constitutional advancement of growth (CAG), i.e., growth acceleration soon after birth. Herein, we show that the growth pattern of CAG is unrelated to exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and is the major determinant of precocious or early puberty. Presented data suggest that EDCs, at most, have a minor effect on the timing of pubertal onset in girls.

Feeling Like a Burden

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 219-238
Author(s):  
James H. Wirth ◽  
Ashley Batts Allen ◽  
Emily M. Zitek
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Social Costs ◽  
Negative Outcomes ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Self Compassion

Abstract. We examined the negative outcomes, particularly social costs that result when a person harms their group by performing poorly, and whether self-compassion could buffer against these negative outcomes. In Studies 1 and 2, participants performed poorly and harmed their group or performed equal to their group. Harmful poor-performing participants felt more burdensome, experienced more negative affect, felt more ostracized, anticipated more exclusion, and felt lowered self-esteem than equal-performing participants. Studies 3 and 4 disentangled poor performance from harming a group. Poor-performing participants either harmed the group or caused no harm. Harmful poor-performing participants felt more burdensome and anticipated more exclusion, indicating the additional social consequences of a harmful poor performance over a non-harmful performance. Across studies, trait self-compassion was associated with reduced negative effects.

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