Chemicals in common personal-care products like soap and makeup could cause girls to start puberty early

New research from the Endocrine Society suggests that some compounds in items including deodorant and detergent could disrupt the body’s natural hormone system.

Puberty has been starting earlier for girls over the past several decades. In the mid-19th century, girls typically got their first periods at an average age of 16.5 years. Today, the average is anywhere between 10 and 13 years.