Boys in the United States appear to be entering puberty much earlier than in the past - a trend researchers caution may have important medical, psychosocial, public health and environmental implications, according to a new study. The research, published online in the journal Pediatrics, was presented Oct. 20 at an American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) conference. On average, boys now begin puberty at around ages 9 or 10, depending on race or ethnicity - a full six months to two years earlier than ages documented by data several decades ago. The study was conducted through the AAP Pediatric Research in Office Settings, practice-based research network, a system of hundreds of pediatricians nationwide who contribute data to AAP-led scientific studies on children's health. Among the co-authors of the Pediatrics report is Dr. Lynn Smitherman, Wayne State University School of Medicine and the National Medical Association.

http://www.wwaytv3.com/2012/10/22/age-of-puberty-among-boys-dropping-us-study-finds
http://www.healthcanal.com/male-reproductive/33200-Age-puberty-among-boys-dropping-study-finds.html