Why are girls starting to have periods earlier?

Female puberty is starting earlier, which is worrisome for the health of women.

According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the average age of menarche, or a girl's first period, in the U.S. is now 12, down from 14 a century ago and as much as six months earlier than 20 or 30 years ago. Menstruation does not, however, signal the start of puberty.

The menstrual period is frequently misunderstood to signal the start of ovulation. Early periods can actually be mild and irregular because most females do not start ovulating regularly for up to two years after their first period. Instead, variations in a girl's oestrogen levels cause early puberty.

Girls today tend to weigh more than they did a generation ago, and this higher body fat percentage is driving an earlier activation of the pituitary gland, which produces the hormones responsible for puberty. This is the most likely explanation for why periods and breast development might be happening younger.

It's crucial to talk to girls early on to ensure they are prepared because although periods can begin as early as age 8, they often don't until they are about 12 years old. Instead of having a formal sit-down discussion, try to discuss periods as an ongoing process.

To initiate the discussion about periods, for instance, utilise television commercials for tampons or the purchase of sanitary towels at the store. Alternatively, just ask your daughter what she is aware of, and move forward from there.

Talk with simple terms, such as "vagina." Make clear that periods are entirely natural and normal and that they are a necessary part of growing up.

Period education is also necessary for boys. Similar to how you would with females, talk about the practical aspects, potential mood swings, and the biological basis for periods. It will keep students updated and aid in their comprehension of time periods.

A girl's first menstruation is an indication that her body is now ready to give birth to a child. She has to be informed about pregnancy and contraception, too.