What Is Early Puberty and Why Does It Happen?

Many everyday products contain chemicals that mimic hormones in the body, such as:

• Plastic packaging (with softeners like BPA)
• Cosmetics, especially those with synthetic fragrances
• Pesticide residues in food
• Flame-retardant chemicals in furniture and clothing

These substances can disrupt hormonal balance – often without us realizing it. Girls are particularly sensitive to these influences because their bodies are still developing.

Children’s diets have changed dramatically. Processed foods, sugary drinks, and snacks are now part of everyday life – often combined with less physical activity. This not only leads to weight gain but also to earlier hormone release. Body fat produces leptin, a hormone known to influence the onset of puberty.

Stress also plays a role – whether from family conflicts, academic pressure, social challenges, or emotional neglect. Studies show that girls under chronic stress often enter puberty earlier. The body reacts with a biological "fast-forward program".

Many women grew up in an environment where menstruation was treated as something embarrassing or hidden. These attitudes can still affect how we talk about periods today. But during early childhood and pre-puberty, a girl’s self-image and body confidence are being shaped – and this includes how she feels about her period.

If no one talks openly about changes like sore breasts, new hair growth, or the first signs of puberty, girls may start to see their bodies as “weird,” “uncomfortable,” or “wrong.” Silence creates shame. A girl who feels her body changes are a taboo topic learns early that her body is something to hide, rather than something natural and beautiful.

Start the conversation before the first period – as soon as the first signs of puberty appear. Speak openly, kindly, and in age-appropriate terms about menstruation, hormones, emotions, pads, and tampons. Use simple, clear language and don’t shy away from calling things by their names.

Give her the message: “Your body is perfect just the way it is. Everything that’s happening is natural, important, and beautiful.”

Open and honest conversations about periods help prevent shame and build long-term confidence. Girls who understand their bodies develop a healthier relationship with themselves – and navigate puberty with greater self-esteem.

Convey this message to your child: "Your body is good just the way it is. Everything that happens is natural, important, and beautiful."

An open, trusting approach to the topic of periods prevents the development of feelings of shame and strengthens self-esteem in the long term. Girls who understand what is happening with their bodies develop a healthier relationship with themselves – and go through puberty with greater confidence.