Title: The Impact of Covid-19 Lockdown on Early Puberty in Girls: Unhealthy Lifestyles as a Possible Cause
Introduction:
During the Covid-19 pandemic, an alarming increase in the number of girls experiencing early puberty has been observed. This phenomenon could be attributed to elevated stress levels, reduced physical activity, and other factors. A study conducted in Italy examined 133 girls referred to a specialist pediatric unit due to early breast development before the age of eight. The findings revealed a significant surge in the diagnosis of ‘rapidly progressive’ early puberty during the pandemic period, suggesting a potential link with unhealthy lifestyles.
Body:
In the four years leading up to the pandemic (January 2016 to March 2020), the diagnosis of ‘rapidly progressive’ early puberty was made in approximately two girls per month. However, between March 2020 and June 2021, this figure increased to nearly four girls per month, totaling 61 cases. Notably, the majority of these girls experienced an unusually rapid increase in height or exhibited high hormone levels associated with adolescence.
Experts have highlighted a lack of understanding regarding the causes of early puberty, but some propose that excessive screen time and a decline in physical exercise may disrupt normal hormonal development in girls. A study conducted in Italy during the pandemic revealed that girls spent an average of two hours per day using electronic devices, while 88.5% stopped all physical activities. These findings suggest a correlation between exposure to blue light from screens, reduced physical activity, and the disruption of normal hormonal development in girls.
Leading the study, Dr. Mohamad Maghnie from the University of Genoa and the Giannina Gaslini Institute in Italy, postulated that stress, social isolation, parental conflicts, economic instability, and increased use of sanitizers could further help explain the increasing prevalence of early puberty. Additionally, an interesting evolutionary hypothesis suggests that girls may experience early periods during times of heightened stress as a mechanism to protect the future of the species.
What is Precocious Puberty in Girls?
Precocious puberty, also known as early puberty, occurs when girls exhibit signs of puberty before the age of eight. These signs may include some aspects of puberty, such as menstruation, without corresponding breast development. The causes of early puberty are not thoroughly understood, but they could be attributed to genetic factors or issues with the brain, ovaries, or thyroid gland. If early puberty is suspected, a general practitioner may refer the child to a specialist for further investigation. In certain cases, medication may be prescribed to regulate hormone levels and temporarily halt sexual development.
Effects of Covid-19 on Early Puberty:
Childhood obesity is known to contribute to early puberty, yet the study did not identify a significant weight difference in girls diagnosed before and during the pandemic. It is worth noting that parents spending more time at home during lockdowns may have been more observant of early signs of puberty, leading to earlier diagnoses. However, similar increases in the prevalence of early puberty have been observed in other countries, including India and Turkey, suggesting a global impact of the pandemic on pubertal timing.
Conclusion:
The Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns have had a noticeable influence on the occurrence of early puberty in girls. Unhealthy lifestyles characterized by increased screen time, reduced physical activity, stress, and social isolation may contribute to the disruption of normal hormonal development. Further research is required to comprehensively understand the causes and long-term effects of early puberty. By gaining a deeper understanding of this phenomenon, scientists can provide appropriate guidance and support to affected individuals and their families.
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