The factors influencing the early onset of menstruation in some girls
Most people get worried when they miss their period or when it is late. But some girls experience early periods, in fact, as early as 7 years of age.
While the average age for puberty is 16 or 17, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the average age for the first period in India is 12. However, a University of Cincinnati study reported that about 10 to 15% of girls enter puberty at age 7 or younger, a phenomenon known as precocious puberty.
“Premature menstruation, also known as early or precocious puberty, occurs when girls start menstruating before the age of 8. Normally, girls experience menarche between the ages of 10 and 15. But there’s an increasing number of girls who are experiencing their first period as early as 6 or 7 years old,” Dr Meghna Chawla, Consultant and Paediatric Endocrinologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, said.
While several factors are causing early periods, one of them could be an increasing rate of childhood obesity.
Dr Chawla said that excess body fat can lead to “an increase in estrogen production, which may trigger early puberty.”
Dr Asha Dalal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Well Woman Center, Sir H N Reliance Hospital, said that decreased exercise and eating a high-caloric diet are raising the BMI (body mass index) of several children.
“Junk foods are high in sugars and unhealthy fats are leading to hormonal imbalances affecting menstruation,” said Dr Asha Dalal.
Another factor that the experts pointed out was genetics. “There is evidence that genetic factors play a role in the timing of puberty. Girls with a family history of early puberty are more likely to experience it themselves,” said Dr Chawla.
Dr Dalal added that exposure to chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system (the part of the body responsible for hormones) can cause early periods as well.
“These class of chemicals like phthalates, Bisphenol A, and others are found in everyday products like plastic bottles and several personal care products have been shown to mimic estrogen and other naturally-occurring hormones in our body. They disrupt the normal development of the reproductive system and trigger early puberty,” said Dr Dalal.
Besides this, Dr Chawla pointed out some studies have found a link between lower socioeconomic status and early puberty, but the reasons aren’t entirely clear.
One of the major reasons could be chronic stress. “Chronic stress can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to hormonal imbalances that may influence the timing of puberty,” said Dr Chawla.
Psychological impacts like stress and increasing body weight due to lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic also saw a spurt in girls getting their periods early.
Premature menstruation can have several implications for the health and well-being of affected girls.
Starting menstruation at a young age can be challenging for girls who may not be emotionally prepared for this event. “It may also lead to feelings of confusion or embarrassment,” said the expert.
Early puberty can accelerate skeletal maturation, which could result in shorter adult height.
Dr Shreya Gupta, Consultant, Birla Fertility & IVF, attributed early menstruation to various factors like childhood illnesses, rapid weight changes, and stress, which influence the brain’s regulation of periods.
“These early changes bring about physical and emotional challenges for girls, including mood swings. During the initial two years post-menarche, irregularities are common, driven by hormonal fluctuations and external factors such as stress or changes in routine. However, continuous irregularities may signal hormonal imbalances or thyroid disorders, necessitating medical attention,” Dr Shreya Gupta said.
Doctors say that girls who experience early puberty could be at a higher risk of developing certain health problems later in life, such as breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders.
Girls who mature early may struggle to relate to their peers, which can affect their social interactions and relationships.
Dr Manpreet Sodhi, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paras Health, Gurugram, advised that parents should be vigilant about the products and foods their children are exposed to, and encourage healthy habits such as regular exercise and a balanced diet.
“If you notice any signs of early onset puberty in your child, such as breast development or pubic hair growth before age 8, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options,” said Dr Manpreet Sodhi.
Providing emotional support and learning about early puberty with timely interventions can help girls have a better outlook on their reproductive system.