Early Childhood Antibiotic Use and Its Connection to Earlier Puberty in Girls

Recent research suggests a significant link between antibiotic consumption during infancy and the onset of puberty at an earlier age in girls. The study, showcased at the first Joint Congress of the European Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and the European Society of Endocrinology, highlights that girls who received antibiotics within their first year—particularly in the first three months—are more prone to experience early puberty. The likelihood was notably higher in those exposed to multiple antibiotic classes, with girls who took five or more classes showing a 22% increased risk compared to those with fewer exposures.

Early puberty, medically termed central precocious puberty (CPP), involves the early development of secondary sexual characteristics, typically before age 8 in girls and age 9 in boys. Although this condition predominantly affects girls and often occurs without an identifiable cause, its incidence has been rising over recent decades. Researchers suggest that early-life factors, including antibiotic exposure, may influence this trend.

The investigation analyzed data from 322,731 children aged 0–12 months in South Korea, tracking their health outcomes until the girls reached age 9 and boys age 10. The findings revealed that girls who were prescribed antibiotics before three months of age had a 33% increased risk of developing early puberty. Those exposed within the first two weeks of life faced an even higher risk of 40%. Interestingly, the study found no significant association between antibiotic use and early puberty in boys.

Dr. Yunsoo Choe from Hanyang University Guri Hospital commented that this large-scale, population-based study is among the first to explore how early antibiotic use—considering factors like timing, frequency, and medication classes—may impact pubertal development. Previous research by the team indicated that exclusive breastfeeding might reduce the risk of early puberty, possibly through effects on gut microbiota or endocrine pathways. This study extends that understanding by identifying antibiotic exposure as a potential modifier, emphasizing the importance of prudent antibiotic use in infants.

The researchers underscore that this evidence may influence clinical decisions and parental choices regarding antibiotic prescriptions for young children. Moving forward, they plan to investigate how recurrent or prolonged antibiotic intake may affect broader aspects of growth, metabolism, and hormonal health, considering potential mechanisms like alterations to the gut microbiome or hormonal balance.

Overall, these findings raise concerns about the long-term effects of early antibiotic use on children's development and highlight the necessity for careful consideration when prescribing these medications to infants.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-antibiotic-infancy-linked-earlier-puberty.html