US Study: Early Menarche in Girls Raises Concerns
Study Reveals Early Menarche in US Girls: A Growing Concern
A recent study found that girls in the United States are experiencing their first periods at increasingly younger ages over the past five decades. Conducted by researchers at Harvard University and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the study highlights this trend among Black, Hispanic, Asian, and mixed-race participants, as well as those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. This trend is alarming due to the potential for long-term health issues.
Findings from the Study
Published in JAMA Network Open, the study surveyed over 71,000 participants born between 1950 and 2005, focusing on the age at menarche and its regularity, along with demographic data. Participants were divided into five generational groups, revealing a clear trend of earlier menarche.
Women born between 1950-1969 had their first period at an average age of 12.5 years, while those born between 2000-2005 started at 11.9 years. The proportion of girls experiencing menarche before age 11 doubled from 8.6% in the oldest group to 15.5% in the youngest. Additionally, those starting before age nine increased from 0.6% to 1.4%.
Sociological Influences and Health Implications
Lead author Zifan Wang, a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard University’s TH Chan School of Public Health, emphasized the significance of these findings. Early menarche and irregular periods can indicate future physical and psychosocial issues. The study began in 2019 and continues to monitor the participants over time to understand these impacts better.
Global Perspective: Early Puberty in India
India also faces concerns over early puberty among children. The National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH) launched a nationwide survey to assess the rate of early puberty in Indian adolescents, noting a rise in cases, especially post-COVID-19. Girls are now experiencing puberty before age eight, and boys before age nine.
The Broader Impact of Early Puberty
Early puberty can have several long-term effects. It may limit height potential due to early fusion of growth plates and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and breast cancer in women. Psychologically, early puberty can cause distress, depression, anxiety, and higher risks of substance abuse and suicidal tendencies. Socially, it raises the likelihood of sexual violence and early pregnancies.
Dr. Anne-Marie Amies Oelschlager, a pediatric gynecologist at the University of Washington School of Medicine, advises that signs of puberty before age eight or the absence of periods by age 15 warrant medical consultation.
Understanding these trends and their implications is crucial for addressing the health and well-being of young girls globally.
Re-reported from the article originally published in She the people.
