Special Report: Premature Periods

Dolls, coloring, dancing. This is how little girls are supposed to enjoy their younger years. But for some, those little girl years are going by way too fast.

Lynn, concerned parent
"Most people, if they didn't know how old she was, have always assumed she was at least two years older."

Lynn's daughter, whose identity we're protecting, started developing at age seven.

Lynn, concerned parent
"I looked at her and noticed that it appeared she was developing breast buds."

By second grade she was already wearing a bra.

Lynn's daughter
"Some of the girls would tease me and they really had no clue because they don't know what it's like yet."

It made her feel like an outsider.

Lynn's daughter
"Unlike everybody else, different."

Her mom thought she had years before she had to explain the facts of life to her daughter, but that wasn't the case.

Lynn, concerned parent
"Being a 3rd grader and having her period, we just did not feel was an option for our child."

And she is not alone.

Dr. Lynne Levitsky says it's happening to more and more young girls.

Dr. Lynne Levitsky, Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology at MassGeneral Hospital for Children
"There's been a great deal of concern about girls having puberty at earlier ages and perhaps getting their periods at earlier ages than they used to."

Many parents are left wondering how this could happen?

One explanation for this early development might be what we feed our children.

Sonia Angel, nutritionist
"Certain additives in foods, especially hormones in meats and milk products, may have a link to early development in girls."

And it's not just what's in our food, it may be products we put on our bodies every day. The Centers for Disease Control has done studies showing exposure to phthalates, found in products like lotions, perfumes, cosmetics and hair products, can result in early development.

So what's a parent to do? Well, first of all, if you have a daughter under age of seven or eight, you should look for the following signs. They are a sudden growth spurt, breast development, body odor, acne and mood changes. If you notice any of these things, see your doctor.

Dr. Lynne Levitsky, Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology at MassGeneral Hospital for Children
"There are really excellent treatments and the doctor's job is to decide when they're necessary."

Lynn's daughter is getting a hormone shot once a month. The hormones can delay early puberty for years.

Lynn, concerned parent
"Had we not started the drugs, I shudder to think where we would be today."

But Dr. Levitsky says the hormone shot is not right for every young girl.

Dr. Lynne Levitsky, Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology at Mass. General Hospital for Children
"It's the right option for a small number of girls who have very early puberty and who's lives will be adversely influenced by the puberty. The medication does have some downsides to it. We don't have a 50 or 60 year experience with these medications. We just don't know right now."

For now, Lynne's daughter is back to playing with dolls like the rest of her 9-year-old friends.

Lynn's daughter
"Now I don't really have to worry about going through anything that I shouldn't have to."

Dr. Levitsky adds that early puberty can also be brought on by childhood obesity.

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