More girls are hitting puberty at eight or earlier. Researchers are exploring the causes, the consequences and what should be done.

Adolescence and puberty are not the same. Adolescence is that 10- to 12-year period of social and psychological growth that transforms the dependent child (beginning in late elementary or early middle ...

Autistic people — especially females — may be more likely to reach puberty early, although more research is necessary to explain the link. This can have significant social and psychological effects, ...

Declining confidence is common with all genders during puberty, according to Jane Mendle, an associate professor of psychology at Cornell University. Mendle, who studies the effects that puberty has ...

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The awkward “birds and bees” talk might be happening too late for many American kids. A shocking new poll finds that while puberty is starting earlier than ever, with 17% of ...