>Puberty onset >seems to be related to a certain body mass/body fat %. I believe the age >for girls in the US now is about 11 1/2 on average (first menses), with >breast buds occurring about 2 years before that on average. Does anyone know what the European or Asian statistics are? Is age of menarche dropping worldwide or just in North America? I would think that estrogen "pollution" might have something to do with it (along with dropping sperm counts). As for the increasing size and artificial feeding theories, my own experience (though just one case) is contrary to that: late menarche, bf for only 4 months, and above average height & weight. Jennifer Landels, BA, CE Vancouver BC