Identifying the Causes of According to the text, what are the likely causes of
precocious puberty? Check all that apply.
In the United States, the onset of puberty has been
occurring earlier and earlier. Today, about 10 percent of
children ages 6 or 7 begin developing signs of puberty, a
condition known as precocious puberty.
In the early 1900s, girls typically began menstruating at
age 17. Today, girls typically begin around age 12. This
trend has been attributed to the growing number of
overweight children and a greater exposure to pollutants.
Exposure to phthalates, artificial chemicals found in
plastics, has also been cited as a cause. These chemicals
disrupt the endocrine system by mimicking hormones in
the body.
Early puberty can have many negative side effects,
including an increased risk of certain types of cancer,
such as breast cancer. Children are often emotionally
unprepared for the physical changes taking place in their
bodies. As a result, behavioral and psychological
nroblems mav increase
exposure to pollutants
exposure to phthalates
certain types of cancers
unhealthy weight gain
disruptions to the endocrine system
emotional and psychological problems