Question

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

Answer 1

According to the text, the most likely causes of precocious puberty are exposure to pollutants , exposure to phthalates and unhealthy weight gain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The age of onset of puberty has experienced significant variations over the years, mostly related to environmental changes and use of processed products.

Factors associated with precocious puberty are:

1. Industrialization produced an increase in environmental pollutants, which has been linked to early puberty.
2. Consumption of processed foods —which favour obesity— influences the production of hormones, that can induce early sexual maturation.
3. Finally, some chemical additives, such as phthalates, enter the body and resemble the structure of some hormones, inducing a hormonal behavior that promotes alterations, such as an early onset of puberty.

The text also mentions negative consequences for the body when an early onset of puberty occurs.

Rergarding other options:

• Disruptions to the endocrine system is the possible explanation for precocious puberty.
• Certain types of cancers and emotional and psychological problems are consequences of precocious puberty.