Scientists Finally Figure Out What’s Causing Girls to Get Periods at a Younger Age

Girls Are Getting Their First Periods Younger – What’s Causing It?

Girls in the U.S. are now starting their periods at younger ages than before. This trend is especially noticeable among lower-income and racially diverse groups. Experts are now studying why this is happening and what it could mean for future health.

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What the Study Found

A study using data from 71,341 participants analyzed the age of first menstruation, race, and economic status. Participants were divided by birth years from 1950 to 2005, and their menstrual patterns were tracked.

Researchers categorized first periods as:

Very early: Before age 9
Early: Before age 11
Late: At 16 or older

One major finding was that girls today take longer for their periods to become regular. The study also examined Body Mass Index (BMI) at the time of first menstruation, showing a link between higher BMI and earlier periods.

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Why Are Periods Starting Earlier?

Several factors may be influencing this trend:

Diet and nutrition
Psychological stress and childhood experiences
Environmental factors like chemicals and pollution

However, the most important factor was BMI. The study found that childhood obesity is a key reason for early puberty.

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Health Risks of Early Menstruation

Starting periods earlier means more years of hormonal exposure, which increases the risk of:

Breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer
Heart disease and stroke
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which can affect fertility

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How Can Girls Reduce This Risk?

There are ways to help delay early menstruation and promote better health:

Healthy eating and exercise to maintain a balanced weight
Managing stress and getting enough sleep
Reducing exposure to harmful chemicals in food and the environment

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What Role Does the Government Play?

While individuals can make lifestyle changes, governments should also take action by:

Promoting healthier eating and physical activity programs
Ensuring affordable healthcare for women
Regulating harmful chemicals in food and household products
Supporting research on early menstruation and related health risks

Understanding the causes of early menstruation is important for improving women’s long-term health. By spreading awareness, encouraging healthy habits, and advocating for better policies, we can help girls grow up with better menstrual and overall health.