It seems that children experiencing premature puberty is increasing these days. This is particularly true for children who are adopted internationally and brought to a new country to live. Although there's a disturbing trend toward early puberty among children born in America, this trend is even more pronounced in children who are adopted from foreign countries. In fact, studies have shown that children adopted internationally are up to 20 times more likely to develop early puberty than those born in America.
A study conducted in Denmark looked at 655 children, noting whether they were born in Denmark, adopted from another country or immigrated to Denmark with their family from another country. The children were followed for several years by the researchers. It was noted that children who were adopted from foreign countries were 15 to 20 times more likely to develop early puberty than children who were born in Denmark. Children who immigrated from another country to Denmark with their families had only a slightly increased risk of early puberty. It was noted in the study that children who were adopted and brought to Denmark at an older age, particularly after the age of 2, were more likely to experience premature puberty than children adopted and brought to their new country at very young ages.
Does Diet Play a Role?
It's not clear why children who are adopted from foreign countries are more likely to develop early puberty. It's speculated that the difference may be related to changes in dietary habits or somehow related to the stress that surrounds the process of adoption and being transported to a new environment at a young age. Interestingly in this study, children adopted from Korea and brought to Denmark didn't appear to have an increased risk of early puberty, although children from the other countries did.
Could the tendency toward early puberty be related to the psychological stress of adoption and the hardships of adjusting to a new environment? This idea is supported by the fact that children adopted from foreign countries and brought to Denmark have been shown to be at an increased risk of developing adjustment disorders and mental health problems.
One theory that addresses the cause of early puberty seen so frequently in international adoptees is the concept of growth "catch up." Many of these children come from impoverished environments where their growth and development have been delayed due to poor nutrition. When they arrive in their new country and establish healthier eating patterns, it may stimulate more rapid growth and the premature onset of puberty.
Dealing with Early Puberty
Because early puberty can trigger both physical and psychological problems in young children, these kids are sometimes treated with hormonal therapy to block bone maturation and suppress the onset of puberty, allowing them to attain their full adult height. When early puberty is allowed to progress without treatment, a child may not reach his or her full adult height.
The negative psychological impact of early puberty on adopted children can be considerable. These children may not have completely assimilated themselves into their new environment when they're suddenly confronted with the challenges of puberty. This can make them feel out of place and "different" at a time when they're trying to fit in to a new culture. Children who develop signs of puberty at a young age are often teased by their classmates. This creates additional stress that may further contribute to the changes that are taking place within their bodies.
Because of the high incidence of early puberty in children adopted from other countries, it's important that they be followed closely for signs of early puberty, such as breast development, development of underarm or pubic hair, acne, deepening of the voice and an increase in growth rate. Children undergoing early puberty can develop these signs as young as age 7 and should be seen immediately by a doctor if they do so. The child can be referred to an endocrinologist, who can stop the onset of puberty to ensure that the child reaches his or her natural height. The more time that elapses from the onset of pubertal symptoms, the less likely the process can be stopped with hormonal therapy. If necessary, the child can undergo psychological counseling to deal with any psychosocial problems brought about by the situation.
With proper medical care and counseling, early puberty can be successfully treated both medically and psychologically, and the adopted child can avoid the physical and mental drawbacks associated with it.
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