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Suzanne England feeds her children organic foods in the hopes that it stops early puberty.

While many parents feel kids grow up too fast, there is evidence that girls really are reaching puberty earlier than ever. Now, there may also be some explanations on why.

There's nothing better than washing down a chocolate chip muffin with a tall, cold drink, says 4-year-old Lydia.

However, her mom doesn't serve just any milk, it's organic.

"The products that are not organic have hormones in them and therefore can cause cancers in my girls and my family," said mother Suzanne England.

Like some other mothers, England also believes the extra hormones in most milk and meats can cause her daughters to develop early.

And puberty is hitting girls younger than ever. By some estimates, nearly half of African-American and 15 percent of Caucasian girls start showing signs of puberty by 8-years-old.

"The good thing is we aren't seeing that the period, the first period, has really changed in that length of time," said Dr. Melissa Ham, pediatric endocrinologist. "It's still on average around 12 years of age."

Ham, a doctor at Children's Medical Center of Dallas, said in most cases, there's a theory - or solid medical explanation - why little girls are growing up too fast.

Skyla Jones plays like an ordinary 5-year-old, but not long ago she started her period. Her mother panicked.

"I was worried that kids would make fun of her because kids can be cruel," said mom Melissa Jones.

Skyla was diagnosed with a thyroid problem. Since starting treatment, all her symptoms have stopped.

Two ingredients, lavender and tea oil, common in soaps, shampoos and lotions have also been linked to the early development. Researchers haven't yet been able to figure out why they trigger sexual development, but many more people believe some girls blossom too early because of the world we live and eat in.

Fueled by growing concerns that pesticides on fruits and vegetables and hormones in meat and dairy play a role, organic products are flying off the shelves at Central Market locations across Texas.

"It's one of the fastest growing segments in the food industry," said Allison Beadle, nutritionist. "Demand is very high."

Research, so far, has debunked that what's on food is to blame, but food may certainly be a factor.

A leading theory about why girls reach puberty too soon is fat.

"We know that kids on the heavier side tend to be taller and they do tend to go through puberty a little bit earlier than other kids, and we don't know exactly why that is," Ham said.

England is covering all the bases by buying organic and healthy foods.

"You want them to stay young as long as possible because you only have your innocence so long, and then for the rest of your life you're an adult," she said.

Experts say early puberty doesn't seem to harm a girl but can shorten the growing period, which means girls don't reach their maximum height.

E-mail jstjames@wfaa.com