A groundbreaking study led by the University of Cambridge and the Medical Research Council identified over 1,000 genetic variants influencing the timing of puberty in girls.

Around 600 of these genetic variants were newly discovered.

These genetic factors impact the age of first menstrual period and accelerate weight gain in childhood, leading to early puberty.

The research, published in Nature Genetics, analyzed the DNA of 800,000 women.

Some genes directly affect puberty timing, while others control hormone release in the brain.

Rare genetic variants were identified as significant factors in puberty timing.

The study developed a genetic score to predict extreme puberty timing, which could allow for targeted interventions to support healthy development in children.

Findings suggest that interventions may be necessary for children not meeting the threshold for current treatments for early puberty.

The study has implications for personalized healthcare approaches and potential clinical applications.

The research was supported by the Medical Research Council and UK Biobank data, offering insights into the genetic basis of puberty and its implications for health risks and interventions.