New findings suggest that musk ambrette, a synthetic chemical in many consumer products, may trigger early puberty by prompting the brain to release puberty-inducing hormones prematurely, according to a study in Endocrinology.
The study, the first of its kind, was conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences under the guidance of Dr. Natalie Shaw. Over 10,000 compounds of musk ambrette were tested to analyze its impact on the human brain, and it was discovered that the substance prompts the brain to produce a hormone called GnRH, which is responsible for the maturation of sexual organs.
Dr. Natalie Shaw dubs musk ambrette a potential cause for concern
While it is important to note that the findings were not conclusive, it was determined that musk ambrette has the potential to act as a trigger to initiate early puberty. According to Shaw,
“The ability of these compounds to stimulate these brain receptors raises the possibility that they may prematurely activate the reproductive axis in children.”
She also noted that musk ambrette is a "potential concern," especially since it is readily available in cosmetics and hygiene products. However, she emphasized the need for further research, saying,
“It is important to conduct confirmatory studies in girls with early puberty, but these compounds deserve greater attention.”
A look at the shifting trends in puberty in boys and girls
Findings from 2020 show that between 1977 and 2013, girls reached puberty about three months earlier per decade. A 2012 study found that boys experienced even earlier puberty, advancing by six months to two years.
Findings from JAMA in May 2024 revealed that, on average, the age at which girls start menstruating has shifted earlier, and it now takes longer for menstrual cycles to become regular. The comprehensive study drew its conclusions after analyzing data from over 70,000 females born between 1950 and 2005.
While experts have been puzzled by the ongoing changes, some have attributed them to increased obesity, poor nutrition, and exposure to carcinogens and phthalates—substances commonly added to plastics. However, no definitive conclusions have been reached. Shaw attributes the changes to "the influence of chemicals in our environment."
According to Shaw, musk ambrette can be found in everyday products, from shampoos and deodorants to body washes and perfumes. She added that the substance has also made its way into certain spices and foods. The FDA has removed musk ambrette from its list of items that are “generally recognized as safe” due to concerns about its toxicity.
