Early periods, also known as menarche, are becoming increasingly common among girls. While it is natural for girls to begin menstruating at a certain age, there is growing concern that the age of menarche is decreasing. This trend has been linked to a number of health problems, including stunted growth, obesity, and mental health issues.
Let's explore the reasons why girls are experiencing earlier periods today, the factors that contribute to this trend, the potential consequences, and effective strategies to prevent it.
Factor Contributing to Early Periods
According to Dr Anjali Kumar (aka Maitriwoman), MBBS, MD- Gynecologist & Obstetrician, there are a number of factors that have been identified as contributing to early menarche. These include:
1. Obesity
Girls who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience early menarche. This is likely due to the disruption of hormonal balance caused by excess body fat.
2. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals
These chemicals, which are found in a variety of products, including plastics, pesticides, and cosmetics, can interfere with the body's hormone production.
3. Increased stress levels
According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, stress can also disrupt hormonal balance and lead to early menarche.
4. Lack of physical activity
Girls who are not physically active are more likely to experience early menarche. This is likely due to the disruption of hormonal balance caused by a sedentary lifestyle.
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Consequences of Early Periods
Dr Kumar also suggests that early menarche can have a number of negative consequences for girls including:
1. Stunted growth
Girls who experience early menarche are more likely to have a stunted growth because the early periods signal the closure of growth plates in the bones.
2. Increased risk of breast cancer
According to a research published in the Breast Cancer Research journal early periods enhance susceptibility to breast carcinogenesis leading to an increased risk of breast cancer.
3. Mental health problems
Early menarche has been linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Dr Kumar states that the process of dealing with menstruation at a tender age with not much knowledge takes a mental toll which in turn leads to mental health problems in young girls.
Tips to Prevent Early Periods
There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent early menarche. Dr Kumar believes that if the following plan is adopted in everyday lifestyle the possibility of early periods diminishes:
1. Encourage healthy eating habits
Girls should eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
2. Limit screen time
As parents, make sure your girl should spend no more than two hours per day in front of a screen.
3. Get enough sleep
It is important to have a peaceful 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Set a time to both go to bed and get out of it.
4. Talk to your daughter about her body
In today's day and age, it is important for girls to have a positive body image. Hence, talk to them about what changes they feel in their bodies after the age of eight and educate them accordingly.
It is crucial to note that early menarche is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. While there are a number of things that can be done to help prevent it, there is no single cause or solution.
If you are concerned about your daughter's risk of early menarche, it is important to talk to her doctor. They can help you assess her risk and discuss ways to help prevent it.
By following these tips, parents can help their daughters reduce their risk of early menarche and enjoy a healthy childhood.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns.)