Musk Ambrette Early Puberty: What Causes Early Puberty? New study has raised concerns about a possible link between musk ambrette, a common man-made chemical found in many products, and the trend of kids hitting puberty earlier. The Endocrinology study is the first of its kind to look into how chemicals in the surroundings might change the brain and cause teens to hit puberty early.
Investigators from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences did the study with the help of pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Natalie Shaw. Findings showed that muscle ambrette might help speed up the release of hormones linked to puberty. A lot of home and personal care products contain this substance, which may make the brain make the hormone GnRH, which affects sexual development.
Trends in Boys and Girls Entering Puberty Early
A 2020 study says that the average age at which boys and girls start puberty has gone down by a lot. Every ten years from 1977 to 2013, girls hit puberty three months earlier on average. For boys, the start of puberty was between six months and two years earlier than thought before a study in 2012. A large study that came out in May 2024 in JAMA found that women are starting their periods earlier and that it takes longer for them to become regular.
The reason for this trend has stumped experts for years. A clear cause has not been found, but many people think that bad meals, being exposed to chemicals like phthalates, and rising obesity rates may be to blame. Shaw thought that there might be a link between external factors and starting puberty early.
Some long-term health risks are higher for people who hit puberty early. These include a higher chance of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, testicular, breast, and endometrial cancers, as well as mental health issues.
Musk Ambrette Early Puberty: What Causes Early Puberty?
The research looked at more than 10,000 different substances, such as food supplements, prescription drugs, and chemicals found in nature. It was found that musk ambrette, a man-made version of musk, binds to brain receptors that are connected to puberty. Scientists found that musk ambrette may cause GnRH to be released, which then makes more testosterone and estrogen, which are sex hormones.
According to Dr. Shaw, musk ambrette is in many personal care items, but kids should be careful with it because it can get into their brains. Other chemicals, like cholinergic agonists, may also affect puberty, according to the study. However, kids are less likely to be exposed to these chemicals on a daily basis.
Musk Ambrette and How It Is Used in Consumer Good?
People often add musk ambrette to a wide range of products to make them smell better. Some foods, air fresheners, detergents, soaps, and makeup are among these. Besides that, it is used to add taste. A senior scientist at Consumer Reports named Dr. Michael Hansen says that the Flavor and Extract Manufacturer Association does not think that musk ambrette chemicals are “generally accepted as safe.” Canada has put limits on its use, and the EU has made it illegal to use in makeup.
Researchers have found that musk ambrette residues can build up in human cells. These residues have been found in breast milk, umbilical cord blood, and mother’s blood. People were worried about the harm this could do to kids, especially if they were exposed for a long time.
What parents can do?
Even though it is too early to say for sure that musk ambrette causes early puberty, doctors have told people to take measures. The doctors Shaw and Hansen say that parents should try to keep their kids from being too close to musk ambrette and other similar chemicals like musk xylene and musk ketone. Some foods, personal care items, fragrances, and even some foods contain these compounds.
Parents should carefully read the labels on foods their kids eat. This ingredient is sometimes hidden in products because it is called a “synthetic” or “natural” flavoring or smell. Limiting the use of scented products, especially ones that are not necessary for cleanliness like shampoos and body washes, may help lower the risk of exposure.
Musk Ambrette products list
Musk Ambrette is a synthetic fragrance compound used in various products. Here are some common items that may contain Musk Ambrette:
- Detergents
- Soaps
- Air fresheners
- Cleaning products
- Perfumes, especially inexpensive or counterfeit fragrances
- Shampoos
- Deodorants
- Body wash
