A recent study published in the Journal of Paediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism by experts from Pune-based Jehangir Hospital has linked stress triggered by the pandemic and use of sanitisers to increased instances of early onset of puberty in children. The researchers revealed that referrals at the hospital for 'precocious puberty' (children physically turning into adults too soon) surged 3.6 times during the pandemic, with kids as young as 8-9 years old showing signs of maturity much earlier than expected, including early menstruation.
The findings match trends observed in other countries. One Italian study, for example, had reported a 108 per cent increase in referrals for suspected precocious puberty during the country's COVID lockdown in 2020.
The researchers at Jehangir hospital used two groups for the study – the pre-COVID lockdown group (Group 1) spanning September 1, 2018 to February 29, 2020, and Group 2, which spanned the period between March 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021. During the COVID lockdown period, out of 3,053 patients at our paediatric endocrinology centre, 155 patients (146 girls and nine boys) were referred for precocious puberty (5 per cent), significantly higher than referrals during the pre-COVID period - just 59 patients (54 girls and five boys) out of 4,208 (just over 1 per cent)," said Dr Vaman Khadilkar, from Jehangir Hospital's growth and paediatric endocrinology unit.
Dr Anuradha Khadilkar, deputy director and consultant pediatrician from Jehangir Hospital, said excessive use of sanitisers was a likely reason. "Triclosan, an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), is often found in various hand sanitizers and soaps. Data has demonstrated a link between Triclosan exposure and an earlier age of menstruation," she said, adding that weight gain due to being holed at home for extended periods may be another reason. Other causes for early puberty, the researchers said, were increased screen time, consumption of high-calorie foods and binge-eating. "Stress, increased use of mobile phones and other devices, reduced sleep that leads to lower night-time melatonin levels can stimulate early onset of puberty," Dr Dr Vaman said.
Some studies have also found that children with a vitamin D deficiency may be more prone to developing early puberty.