“We can influence some possible causes”
Girls are getting their periods earlier and earlier! Doctor knows what’s behind it
Girls are starting their periods at increasingly younger ages. What is the reason for this?
PeopleImages.com – #274996527 August 2024 at 15:30
by Madeline Jaeger
Aunt Rose is here, she’s on her period, and it’s strawberry time!
Women commonly use these phrases when talking about their menstrual cycles. However, the first menstruation represents a significant change in a girl’s life—biologically marking her transition into womanhood. Girls are now experiencing their periods at progressively younger ages. Gynecologist Dr. Judith Bildau explains the reasons behind this trend and explores whether the timing can be influenced.
Gynecologist: “Girls are entering puberty earlier and earlier”
The onset of menstruation typically occurs in girls between the ages of eleven and fourteen. However, a recent study from Harvard University indicates that girls in the US and UK are beginning their periods sooner than before. Women born between 1950 and 1969 had their first period at an average age of 12.5, while those born between 2000 and 2005 averaged 11.9 years, as reported by the journal Jama Network.
Germany has also seen similar findings, indicating that girls are increasingly having their first menstrual period at a younger age. “We have been aware of this phenomenon for several years now. Girls are indeed entering puberty at younger ages,” explains gynecologist Dr. Judith Bildau.
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Causes for earlier periods are diverse
The Harvard study indicates that several clear reasons account for the earlier onset of menstruation:
But what are the main factors identified as responsible? “We have been aware of these potential causes for some time. I strongly believe that there is not a single reason, but rather a combination of multiple factors. This means that numerous elements converge,” the expert theorizes.
Reading tip: Bleeding without a uterus – how can that be? Gynecologist explains.
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Can we influence the timing of the first period?
However, many girls and parents often hope that periods won’t start too early. Is there any way to influence the onset of menstruation?
“We can influence some potential contributing factors, but not all. For example, we know that an increase in girls’ weight significantly impacts this. Adipose tissue produces hormones, making a healthy body weight essential,” explains Bildau. Additionally, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial. When it comes to personal care products, parents should aim to use “good and thoroughly tested products” wherever feasible.
Dr. Judith Bildau is a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics.
Dr. med. Judith Bildau
“Additionally, we can support our children in managing stress factors and ensuring they have ample rest,” continues the gynecologist.
Reading tip: “Menstrual leave”: What the decision means and whether we need it here too
Earlier periods associated with health risks
Indeed, early menstruation is frequently linked with health risks. According to the doctor, it is prudent to address these causes to ensure girls experience their periods as late as possible. Current findings suggest that health risks include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, miscarriages, and even premature death. So how can we protect ourselves from these risks?
“To mitigate the medical risks associated with early menstruation, I recommend focusing on the following aspects: maintaining a healthy body weight, ensuring adequate rest, consuming a nutritious diet, and selecting appropriate personal care and cosmetic products,” advises the doctor.
The study also stresses the importance of preparing girls better for their first period. The gynecologist supports this initiative—so how can parents assist their daughters at an early stage?
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“It is important to talk to children early on”
According to the gynecologist, discussions surrounding the first menstruation are extremely crucial. “It’s essential to prepare our children for their first period. Many parents are unaware that the first bleeding can happen at such an early age and they are often just as surprised or even overwhelmed as the girls themselves. Therefore, it is important to begin these conversations early,” the expert concludes.
We can influence some possible causes
Girls are getting their periods earlier and earlier! Doctor knows what’s behind it
Girls are having their first period at an increasingly earlier time. What is behind this?
by Madeline Jaeger
Aunt Rose is coming, she’s on her period and it’s strawberry time!
Women use all of these expressions when they have their period regularly. But the first menstruation is a major turning point in a girl’s life – because from a biological point of view she is suddenly a woman! Girls are now getting their period earlier and earlier. Gynecologist Dr. Judith Bildau explains why this is and whether they can influence the timing at all.
Gynecologist: “Girls are entering puberty earlier and earlier”
The first menstruation in girls usually begins between the ages of eleven and fourteen. But according to a recent study by Harvard University, girls in the U.S. and U.K. are getting their periods earlier and earlier. While women born between 1950 and 1969 had their first period at an average age of 12.5, the average age for those born between 2000 and 2005 was 11.9 years, reports the magazine Jama Network.
We also know from Germany that girls tend to have their first menstrual period earlier. “This is a finding that we have had for several years. Girls are actually entering puberty earlier and earlier,” explains gynecologist Dr. Judith Bildau.
Reading tip: Myth or truth: Does wet swimwear really make us sick?
Causes for earlier periods varied
According to the Harvard study, the reasons why girls are getting their periods earlier than ever before are quite clear:
But which factors can be identified as the main causes? “We have known about these possible causes for a long time. I personally believe that there is not one single reason, but that it is a multifactorial event. That means that all of these points come together,” the expert suspects.
Reading tip: Bleeding without a uterus – how can that be? Gynecologist explains
Can we influence the timing of the first period?
However, girls and parents often wish that their periods would not start too early. But is there any way you can influence when you get your period?
“We can influence some possible causes, but not others. For example, we know that the increasing weight of girls has a significant impact on this. Fat tissue produces hormones. A healthy body weight is therefore important,” explains Bildau. It is also important to ensure a balanced and healthy diet. When it comes to cosmetic products, parents should also use “good and tested products” wherever possible.
Dr. Judith Bildau is a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics.
“And of course we can also support our children in reducing stress factors and having sufficient rest periods,” the gynecologist continues.
Reading tip: “Menstrual leave”: What the decision means and whether we need it here too
Earlier periods associated with health risks
In fact, early periods are often associated with health risks. Therefore, according to the doctor, it is advisable to get the causes under control so that girls get their period as late as possible. According to current findings, the health risks include cardiovascular disease, cancer, miscarriages, and premature death. So how can we protect ourselves from this?
“As far as the medical risk factors of early menstruation are concerned, I recommend paying attention to the following points: healthy body weight, sufficient rest periods, a healthy diet, and selected care and cosmetic products,” recommends the doctor.
The study also emphasizes the need to better prepare girls for their first period. The gynecologist also supports this appeal – but how can parents support their girls at an early stage?
In the video: Does the moon really influence women’s periods?
00:33 min
Cosmic study results
Does the moon really influence women’s periods?
30 more videos
It is important to talk to children early on
According to the gynecologist, discussions about the first period are extremely important. “Of course we have to prepare our children for their first menstruation. Many parents are not aware that the first bleeding can occur so early, and they are just as surprised or even overwhelmed as the girls themselves. So it is important to talk to the children early on,” advises the expert in conclusion.
