Chapters three and four of Greenspan and Dearborne’s book, The New Puberty, discuss the biological and environmental influences on the pubertal process with particular emphasis on symptoms of early puberty and the potential causes and concerns. Bodily changes, such as the appearance of pubic hair and breast development, are both signs of puberty, however, they are not always true indicators that early puberty has actually occurred. As Greenspan and Dearborne explain, “Because pubic hair reflects the presence of androgens (male hormones) and the first true sign of puberty in girls is estrogen secretion, it is inaccurate to associate pubic hair with puberty in a girl” (Greenspan and Dearborne, p. 50). Additionally, the authors explain that the
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Greenspan and Dearborne explain that, “fat releases the hormone leptin, which may not only contribute to early puberty, but also causes higher estrogen levels that encourage the buildup of more fat tissues – and, therefore, more leptin and estrogen” (Greenspan and Dearborne, p. 52). While obesity may sometimes be biological or genetic in nature, our modern lifestyle and diet choices may be key contributors to its role in hormone functioning. Diets that are laden with chemical preservatives and additives that often get stored in the fat cells promote more fat storage and ultimately disrupt normal hormonal functioning. Additionally, antibiotics in meat and dairy and chemicals in pesticides, tobacco products, and even plastic all contain xenoestrogens that mimic hormones, all of which also store in the fat cells. Certain household and cosmetic products also contain such chemicals, which can enter the body through the skin. In Touching: The Human Significance of The Skin, Ashley Montagu describes the primary functions of human skin, including its role in protecting its underlying parts from invasion of foreign substances and organisms and also as a “metabolic organ involved in the metabolism and storage of fat” (Montagu, p.4). With this in mind, we can see the connection between the skin and healthy hormonal functioning. When the skin absorbs …show more content…
In order to have a better understanding of why some girls experience puberty younger than others, it’s important to understand the process of puberty itself. Greenspan and Dearborne describe the process of puberty as beginning around the age of eight and without the presence of physically identifiable biological changes, challenging the misconception that puberty begins at the onset of menarche, which in reality is the final stage of puberty in girls (Greenspan and Dearborne, pp. 76-78). If early onset puberty is of genuine concern, medical examinations, including x-rays to determine bone density, have been useful in comparing biological age with chronological age. Tests to measure hormone levels have also been able to determine if early puberty is actually occurring and whether it’s caused by the brain, the body, or the environment (Greenspan and Dearborne, p. 84). Since each child is different, it’s important to weigh the consequences when considering such modalities, as such tests can expose one to radiation and chemicals that can have potentially adverse effects. In fact, Greenspan and Dearborne describe early puberty as an often normal process and that, “The vast majority of girls going through puberty early do not need to be medicated and do
Greenspan and Dearborne explain that, “fat releases the hormone leptin, which may not only contribute to early puberty, but also causes higher estrogen levels that encourage the buildup of more fat tissues – and, therefore, more leptin and estrogen” (Greenspan and Dearborne, p. 52). While obesity may sometimes be biological or genetic in nature, our modern lifestyle and diet choices may be key contributors to its role in hormone functioning. Diets that are laden with chemical preservatives and additives that often get stored in the fat cells promote more fat storage and ultimately disrupt normal hormonal functioning. Additionally, antibiotics in meat and dairy and chemicals in pesticides, tobacco products, and even plastic all contain xenoestrogens that mimic hormones, all of which also store in the fat cells. Certain household and cosmetic products also contain such chemicals, which can enter the body through the skin. In Touching: The Human Significance of The Skin, Ashley Montagu describes the primary functions of human skin, including its role in protecting its underlying parts from invasion of foreign substances and organisms and also as a “metabolic organ involved in the metabolism and storage of fat” (Montagu, p.4). With this in mind, we can see the connection between the skin and healthy hormonal functioning. When the skin absorbs …show more content…
In order to have a better understanding of why some girls experience puberty younger than others, it’s important to understand the process of puberty itself. Greenspan and Dearborne describe the process of puberty as beginning around the age of eight and without the presence of physically identifiable biological changes, challenging the misconception that puberty begins at the onset of menarche, which in reality is the final stage of puberty in girls (Greenspan and Dearborne, pp. 76-78). If early onset puberty is of genuine concern, medical examinations, including x-rays to determine bone density, have been useful in comparing biological age with chronological age. Tests to measure hormone levels have also been able to determine if early puberty is actually occurring and whether it’s caused by the brain, the body, or the environment (Greenspan and Dearborne, p. 84). Since each child is different, it’s important to weigh the consequences when considering such modalities, as such tests can expose one to radiation and chemicals that can have potentially adverse effects. In fact, Greenspan and Dearborne describe early puberty as an often normal process and that, “The vast majority of girls going through puberty early do not need to be medicated and do