In the digital era, our children are increasingly exposed to screens, whether through mobile phones, tablets, or computers. This growing interaction with electronic devices has raised numerous questions about their health effects. A recent study from the University of Ankara has shed light on a particularly troubling aspect: the possibility that prolonged exposure to blue light from screens could accelerate the onset of puberty.
In this sense, let's start by clarifying: ¿What is puberty?
Puberty is the period of life during which a person undergoes physical and hormonal changes that mark the transition from childhood to adulthood. This process usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 14 for girls and between 12 and 16 for boys. This period seems to be happening at increasingly younger ages. Although genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors such as nutrition and stress have been considered responsible, recent studies suggest new possible causes. Among them, exposure to blue light from screens is gaining attention.
But, ¿what are the consequences of early puberty?
-Growth Problems: Early puberty can cause premature cessation of bone growth, which can result in a shorter final height.
-From a social perspective: Girls with early puberty may feel confused or embarrassed about having their period or developed breasts much earlier than their peers. This can lead to them being treated differently because they appear older than they are.
-From a physical perspective: Some girls and boys experience early growth of pubic and/or underarm hair or body odor that is not related to other sexual development changes. This is called premature adrenarche.
-From an emotional perspective: Emotions and behavior can also change in children with early puberty. Girls may become moody and irritable. Boys may become more aggressive and develop sexual urges inappropriate for their age.
The sleep clock at play
Since the pandemic, the time young people spend in front of screens has increased drastically. In Spain, children and adolescents spend an average of four hours daily connected outside of school hours, totaling 1,460 hours per year. This prolonged exposure interferes with the biological clock, as blue light inhibits the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. During pre-puberty, melatonin levels are naturally high, and their decrease could be related to an earlier onset of puberty.
To investigate this hypothesis, Dr. Aylin Kilinç Ugurlu and her team at Ankara University conducted an experiment with laboratory mice. They divided the female mice into three groups, exposing them to normal light cycles, six hours, or twelve hours of blue light. The results were clear: the mice exposed to blue light showed signs of puberty earlier than those in the control group, and those with greater exposure developed these signs even earlier.
The mice exposed to blue light showed reduced levels of melatonin and increases in specific reproductive hormones such as:
-Estradiol, a hormone primarily produced in the ovaries, which is important for fertility (the ability to become pregnant). It also helps with brain and bone health.
-Luteinizing, hormone, which in girls helps signal the ovaries to produce the hormone estrogen. Estrogen is involved in the growth of breasts, body hair, and the onset of menstruation.
And in boys, it helps signal the testes to produce testosterone. Testosterone is involved in the growth of facial and body hair, changes in a boy's voice, and sperm production.
All of these are indicators of the onset of puberty. Although these results are preliminary and based on studies with mice, the hormonal and ovulatory changes in mice are comparable to those in humans. Dr. Ugurlu warns that these changes could have significant implications for humans. "These data suggest that blue light exposure could be considered a risk factor for the early onset of puberty," she states.
Consequences of Early Puberty on Fertility:
Consequences in Girls:
-Early Ovarian Maturation: The early onset of puberty can lead to premature ovarian maturation, meaning the ovaries start releasing eggs at a younger age than normal. This can affect the ovarian reserve in the long term, leading to a decrease in ovarian reserve.
-Irregular Menstrual Cycle: Having menstrual cycles for a longer period can increase the likelihood of experiencing menstrual irregularities, which can complicate the ability to conceive later on.
-Endocrinological Problems: Early puberty can be associated with endocrine disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a common cause of infertility in women.
-General Reproductive Health: Premature hormonal changes can influence overall reproductive health, potentially affecting future fertility.
Consequences in Boys:
-Early Testicular Maturation: Early puberty in boys can lead to premature testicular maturation, which could affect the quality and quantity of sperm in adulthood.
-Hormonal Development: Early puberty can affect the overall hormonal balance, potentially influencing long-term reproductive function.
It is crucial for parents to be aware of the time young people spend in front of screens and consider measures to reduce exposure to blue light, especially before bedtime. Technology is a powerful tool, but its excessive use could have unintended consequences on our children's development. Maintaining a healthy balance will be key to protecting their long-term well-being.
Excessive Screen Use and Its Consequences on Fertility:
-Heat and Radiation: Prolonged use of laptops on the lap can increase scrotal temperature, negatively affecting sperm production and quality. Additionally, exposure to electromagnetic radiation from mobile devices can impact sperm motility and viability.
-Sedentary Lifestyle: Excessive screen use is associated with a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. Obesity is linked to decreased sperm quality and abnormal hormone levels that affect fertility. In women, obesity is related to ovulatory disorders and a reduced ability to conceive.
-Stress and Sleep:Prolonged exposure to blue light emitted by screens can affect sleep patterns and increase stress levels. Both factors can alter testosterone production in men and, consequently, sperm production. In women, exposure to blue light from screens before bedtime can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Disrupted sleep can affect the menstrual cycle and ovulation, negatively impacting fertility.
In summary, early puberty can have various consequences on the future fertility of both girls and boys because it does not discriminate. Therefore, early diagnosis and proper management are important to mitigate these effects and ensure better long-term reproductive health.
If you notice that puberty is arriving early, don't worry. At Mater Clinic, our gynecologist Dr. Jaramillo offers consultations for adolescents, ensuring that you and your children receive personalized care. She helps during this stage of changes, which is often a mix of fear, misinformation, and fear of the unknown.
Remember, your health is our priority. At Mater Clinic, we are committed to addressing your concerns effectively, empathetically, and compassionately. If you want more information, feel free to contact us or book an appointment. We are on Doctoralia, or you can reach us via WhatsApp at 645 096 548 or through your preferred contact method. We will be happy to talk with you!
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