Precocious Puberty in Association to Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: A Case Series

Abstract

Endocrine disrupting chemicals are ubiquitously present in our environment, and it has become apparent that that these agents pose significant health risks. A number of endocrine disrupting chemicals have been detected in humans at levels capable of interfering with endogenous hormone action. Notably, there are well- established effects on male and female sexual development as a consequence of either prenatal or childhood exposure. Given the observed accelerated rate of puberty in the past few decades, it has been postulated that contact with endocrine disrupting chemicals during critical development periods may be a causative factor in promoting precocious puberty in children. This case series presents patient evidence correlating endocrine disrupting chemicals exposure with clinical evidence of premature sexual development. The identification of numerous cases of precocious puberty related to exposures highlights the need for physicians to take an active role in educating parents about the risks posed during pregnancy and child development.