BOSTON, MA – A recent study published in the journal JAMA Network Open reveals a concerning trend in the United States regarding early puberty among girls. The study indicates that girls are experiencing their first menstrual period approximately 6 months earlier on average than they did in the 1950s and 60s. Furthermore, more girls are beginning menstruation before the age of 9, which is considered very early.
Dr. Shruthi Mahalingaiah, an assistant professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and co-author of the study, emphasizes the importance of educating caregivers, parents, and healthcare providers about this trend to adequately prepare children for early puberty. She highlights the confusion, stigma, and silence that often accompany early menstruation.
The study, which gathered data from over 71,000 women using the Apple Research App, found that the average age of menstruation onset decreased from 12.5 years of age between 1950 and 1969 to 11.9 years of age in 2000 to 2005. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the percentage of girls experiencing menstruation before the age of 11, with a doubling of those starting before age 9.
Researchers stress the importance of understanding changing menstruation trends as a crucial health indicator. Lauren Houghton, an assistant professor at Columbia University, notes that the age of first periods can serve as a barometer of overall health. The study also reveals a delay in the onset of regular menstrual cycles, which can be associated with various health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, obesity, and certain cancers.
Factors contributing to earlier puberty include obesity, stress, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Stress can elevate cortisol and androgen hormones, leading to the early development signaled by estrogen. Endocrine disruptors, like phthalates found in common products, can interfere with hormonal balance, impacting puberty timing.
To mitigate the risk factors associated with early puberty, researchers suggest promoting a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep. Parents are encouraged to prepare themselves and their children for the possibility of early menstruation to ensure they are mentally prepared when it occurs.
The alarming trend of early puberty poses significant health implications for girls, underscoring the need for further research and strategies to address this evolving issue.