Summary
The accumulation of body fat, which releases a hormone called leptin, is one factor that can trigger the onset of puberty, especially in females. Puberty is believed to be happening earlier in females due to various factors, including the accumulation of body fat at younger ages and improved nutrition. The onset of puberty in females has been occurring earlier with each passing decade over the last 100 years. The onset of puberty has been analyzed in countries such as the United States, Norway, the UK, Germany, and Finland. Factors such as exposure to certain odors or pheromones, psychosocial interactions, and biological systems can influence the timing of puberty in females.