In the 'Childhood' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about age at puberty onset (female):
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At what age was puberty onset, based on first physical signs (usually breast development)?
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
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"9 or younger" |
Early puberty onset |
A risk factor |
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"10" |
Early puberty onset |
A risk factor |
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"11-12 / don't know" |
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| 4. |
"13" |
Delayed puberty onset |
A risk factor |
| 5. |
"14 or older" |
Late puberty onset |
A risk factor |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
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| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
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Breast Cancer |
(Women only) Early onset of menarche (beginning of the menstrual function) is a recognized risk factor for breast cancer, while a later menarche has been associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Menarche comes later in children raised on a plant-based diet.- de Ridder CM, Thijssen JHH, Vant Veer P, et al. Dietary habits, sexual maturation, and plasma hormones in pubertal girls: a longitudinal study. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;54: pp.805-13
- Beaton GH, Bengoa JM. WHO monograph. 1976;62: pp.500-19
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DHEA Elevated |
Girls with premature puberty have been found to have elevated levels of DHEA-S. The elevated levels are normally one of the first biochemical signs of awakening of the reproductive glands, in this case the adrenal gland after the long period of childhood inactivity. |
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Elevated Insulin Levels |
Girls with premature puberty have been found to have elevated insulin and DHEA-S levels. This contributes to the weight gain usually seen in advanced PCOS." |
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Endometrial Cancer |
(Women only) |
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4 |
5 |
Hormone Imbalance |
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1 |
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4 |
5 |
Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction |
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1 |
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4 |
5 |
Mercury Toxicity (Amalgam Illness) |
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1 |
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) |
(Women only) Some research suggests that girls who begin to develop pubic hair early (usually before the age of eight, a condition known as premature pubarche) have been found to have many of the signs and symptoms of PCOS. When girls with premature pubarche have been followed throughout the rest of puberty they have been found to develop excess testosterone production and irregular periods consistent with PCOS. Thus premature pubarche may be an early form of PCOS. |
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GLOSSARY
Adrenal (Adrenal Gland, Adrenal Glands, Adrenals)
The adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney and consist of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. Of the 50 or so hormones the adrenals make, only cortisone and adrenaline are recognized by most people. Some of these hormones must be produced to preserve life, while others help resist stress. Other hormones from the adrenals control normal energy output (along with the thyroid) and govern the breakdown of stored energy into quick energy sources. The medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are specifically designed to help the body deal with stressful situations. The adrenals control the body's potassium/sodium balance, which is vital for energy production. They also produce sex hormones in minute amounts, which is important for later years when the gonads drop or cease their production.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Centimeter (Centimeters, cm)
A metric unit of length equaling one hundredth of a meter, or ten millimeters. There are 2.54 millimeters in one inch.
DHEA (DHEA-S)
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid produced by the adrenal glands and is the most abundant one found in humans. DHEA may be transformed into testosterone, estrogen or other steroids. It is found in the body as DHEA or in the sulfated form known as DHEA-S. One form is converted into the other as needed.
Gland (Glands)
The glandular system is one of the most important and complicated systems of the body. Gland tissue can be either an organ or general tissue that secretes chemicals and there are two types of gland: exocrine and endocrine. Those glands which secrete chemicals through tubules or ducts are called exocrine and include sweat, tear and salivary glands. Ductless glands - part of the endocrine system - secrete special chemicals (hormones) directly into the blood.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Insulin
A hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels. Insulin stimulates the liver, muscles, and fat cells to remove glucose from the blood for use or storage.
Menarche
The beginning of the reproductive phase of a woman's life. It usually begins with night sweats, continues a few months later with estrogen, followed by ovulation, then the full cycle and the growth of secondary sexual characteristics... in various orders. Also called adolescence or puberty, it is mirrored in reverse at the end of the reproductive years as menopause.
Menstruation (Menses, Menstrual, Menstrual Cycle, Menstrual Cycles, Menstrual Flow, Menstrual Phase, Monthly Cycle)
The periodic discharge of blood, tissue fluid and mucus from the endometrium (lining of the uterus) that usually lasts from 3 - 5 days. It is caused by a sudden reduction in estrogens and progesterone.
Testosterone
The principal male sex hormone that induces and maintains the changes that take place in males at puberty. In men, the testicles continue to produce testosterone throughout life, though there is some decline with age. A naturally occurring androgenic hormone.
Last updated: Feb 28, 2008
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