Trends in pubertal development in Europe

The secular changes in growth and maturation can be seen as indicators of s ocio-economic and health status. In most European countries the age of onse t of puberty and of menarcheal age has been decreasing during the past few decades. The duration of puberty seems also to decrease, though few studies provide sufficient data to support this postulation. The four Dutch nation wide growth surveys are useful examples assessing the secular trend in pube rtal development over the past 45 years. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the secular changes. Environmental factors seem to be the mos t important. Recently, attention has been given to substances with oestroge n-like actions that are present in nutrients. The possible role of these su bstances in growth and maturation is discussed.