In a message dated 11/23/1999 2:37:36 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
> the average age for
>  the onset of puberty in females in this country (USA) has dropped from
>  about 17 years old 100 years ago to about 13 or so now.

Yes, I just heard this mentioned on NPR (Dr. Paster?? on your Health) over
the weekend.  He mentioned studies that found increased protein and calories
being highly correlated to lower age of menarche.  Sorry, don't remember any
more than that, but perhaps you could contact NPR to get references from him.

Holly