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American Wellness Network
An A-Z Woman's Guide to Vibrant Health

Precocious Puberty

According to medical texts, the average age of the beginning of sexual maturation for females is around age eleven with breast budding, and first menstruation occurs around age thirteen. For some girls, however, sexual maturation comes early, and is considered precocious when the process begins before age eight. Remember from the section on breast cancer that early menstruation is a risk factor for breast cancer as well.

Symptoms
True precocious puberty involves the development of both the exterior and organ changes associated with adulthood, while pseudo-precocious puberty refers to changes in the outward appearance only. Breast development, pubic and underarm hair, changes in body odor and acne might develop. In many girls menstruation also occurs. An early growth spurt typically results in an early stopping of growth, and a shorter final height than anticipated in girls with precocious puberty. Girls who develop precocious puberty need to be continually monitored for low levels of thyroid hormones.

Causes
Sometimes a tumor or other abnormality in the pituitary or hypothalamus can cause the condition, but this only accounts for about 20 percent of the cases of precocious puberty in girls over the age of six. Low thyroid hormone levels may be another factor responsible for precocious puberty. Some doctors also theorize that low birth weight causes a rapid “catch-up phase” that triggers early puberty, while others suggest that North Americans are over-eating and under-exercising, causing additional fat that stores estrogen. A 2002 study linked female obesity with the onset of early puberty. In North America, one in four children between the ages of two and five are obese. Diets lacking in fruits and vegetables also do not provide sufficient fiber, which is necessary for pulling excess estrogen from the body.

Complicating our internal hormone environment are the numerous hormones that are injected into the meats and become part of the dairy products that we feed our children. In addition, estrogen mimickers, technically known as xenoestrogens (pronounced zeno-estrogens) are found in everything from plastic toys to food, cleaning agents to medical supplies. Similar to estrogen in structure, these chemicals bind to estrogen receptor sites throughout the body and cause the same reactions as estrogen would. Young girls who are fascinated with sparkly make-up and perfumes are also exposed to xenoestrogens every time they play dress-up, as most cosmetic products contain estrogen-like compounds. Research is now linking certain chemicals to the development of early puberty in girls.

Diets high in processed foods and refined sugars congest the liver, the large intestine, the colon and the kidneys. With so many toxins to process, these organs cannot possibly neutralize additional estrogen mimickers in our bodies.

PRESCRIPTION FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH


Nutrients
Dosage
Action
Multivitamins with minerals; (contains no iron)
FemmEssentials or MultiEssentials for women
As directed. For complete formula recommendations see Appendix A
Ensures adequate nutrient status
EstroSense
2 capsules twice a day with food containing:

Milk Thistle 100 mg



Supports liver health, which is important for metabolism of hormones
D-glucarate 300 mg
Important for healthy metabolism of estrogen; detoxifies breast cancer-promoting agents
Turmeric )100 mg
(95% curcumin
100 mg inositol daily
Prevents breast cancer, detoxifies cancercausing form of estrogen, excellent to reduce chemotherapy side effects
Indole-3-carbinol 300 mg
(found in cruciferous vegetables)
Reduces risk of breast cancer, can be used in conjunction with tamoxifen; prevents healthy estrogen from converting into the cancer-causing form
Green tea extract 200 mg daily
Protects against breast cancer
Rosemary extract 50 mg daily
Reduces tumor formation and breast lumps; antioxidant
Lycopene 10 mg daily
Antioxidant, reduces risk of breast cancer
Sulforaphane 400 mcg daily
Reduces risk of breast cancer
Omega 3
from Flax oil or fish oil
Use flax oil on salads or take Learning Factors™ as directed
Supports healthy cell growth
Probiotic Essentials
BB536 Bifidobacterium
2 capsules daily, containing 2.5 billion active cells
Improves intestinal flora (especially important if you have taken antibiotics for condition)
Evening Primrose Oil or Borage Oil
3000 mg per day of Evening Primrose or 2000 mg per day of Borage oil
Anti-inflammatory; controls negative prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation
Chaste Tree
(Vitex) berry
50 to 100 mg daily
Balances estrogen-to- progesterone ratio important for proper cell function

HEALTH TIPS TO ENHANCE HEALING
  • See Endometriosis and Breast Cancer for more information on how to eliminate xenoestrogens from the diet and household.
  • Avoid microwaving foods in plastic wrap as this leaches xenoestrogens into the food.
  • Eat a predominantly vegetarian diet with seven to ten servings of fresh produce daily, and 25 g of fiber to help naturally eliminate estrogen. Girls who are brought up on a complete vegetarian diet get their menstrual cycles later than those who eat a high meat or dairy product diet.
  • Consume only organically farmed meat, fish and produce to reduce the chemical burden in your body.
  • Include essential fatty acids from fish, flax, nuts and seeds.
  • Our children should take a multivitamin with minerals once they are weaned and throughout their lives.
  • Do not use bubble bath and personal care products that contain pthalates, parabens and other toxic chemicals.
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This web site is for informational purposes only. Consult your health care practitioner for any medical advice. The statements made on this web site and any of its publications have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This web site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
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