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Q What is happening to little girls these days? We have an 8-year-old who is showing signs of early puberty. This seems to be happening much too soon, but I hear that it's not so uncommon for girls to get their first period before their 10th birthday. With puberty coming so early, what's causing little girls to grow up so fast? L.E., Charlotte, N.C.

A It is true that more and more girls are reaching puberty younger than ever, with some girls showing signs of puberty as early as 7 and beginning to menstruate a couple of years later.

By definition, puberty is the period of becoming first capable of sexual reproduction. It is evidenced by the development of genital organs and the first occurrence of menstruation. The age at which puberty normally occurs is 14 in boys and 12 in girls, when, doctors say, there is the beginning of hair growth under the arms and the development of breasts. There are several theories about the early development in girls, ranging from hormone imbalances to insecticides, such as PCB, which may affect estrogenic activity in young girls. But recently, researchers apparently have found a link with being overweight. Many researchers believe that African-American girls mature earlier because of "a higher cultural tendency toward obesity," but others think there may be genetic differences within the Black population that could predispose them to premature puberty.

Doctors say early development in girls and boys also prompts other health concerns because when a child begins puberty earlier than normal, it could signal a variety of serious conditions, including a tumor of the reproductive organs.

EMPHYSEMA

Q I was diagnosed with emphysema some years ago and my breathing is becoming more difficult. I know there is no cure and that I may end up in a wheelchair and on oxygen. Can you tell me how emphysema progresses and at what rate? Can it lead to other diseases? L.F., Sheridan, Ore.

A Emphysema, a disease that affects the tiny airways in the lungs that bring oxygen from the lungs to the blood, usually strikes people over 50 and kills more Americans (about 13,000 a year) than any other chronic lung disease.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:56 AM