How to Help Your Daughter If She Starts Her Period at a Young Age

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, girls naturally start their periods between the ages of 10 and 13. However, some girls experience their periods at a younger age, while others experience them only after the age of 15-17. Doctors say that in the last 10 years, there has been a 15 to 20 percent increase in cases of women starting their periods at a younger age. Medically, the first period is called menarche, which marks puberty. However, some girls who are experiencing puberty may experience their first period after the age of 15, this is medically known as amenorrhea. All menstrual conditions are usually caused by hormonal abnormalities.

What Can Cause Early Periods?

Generally speaking, the age at which a girl’s periods begin can depend on her genetics. If the mother started menstruating at an early age, the likelihood of her daughter starting menstruating at an early age also increases. However, sometimes environmental factors and a girl’s body weight can also contribute to early or delayed periods.

1. Why Should Periods Start Between The Ages Of 10 And 13?

The pubertal development phase begins in girls between the ages of 10 and 13. During this time, various hormones react in the body to promote their physical development. The rate of development can also be affected by the girl’s physical and mental health. For a girl to get her first period, it is necessary for her to have the right body weight and the right amount of body fat, which are important for producing hormones that promote menstruation. Because of this, most girls gain a little weight even before their first period.

2. Can Early Periods Be A Warning Sign?

These days, most girls start their first period at the age of 8 or 9. Therefore, early periods can be an emotional problem for both girls and their parents, which can also lead to many physical problems in the future.

Learn About The Causes Of Early Periods

If a girl starts menstruating at an early age, it’s usually because her body has already begun producing the hormones responsible for puberty. In most cases, there’s no confirmed explanation for this. However, a girl’s body weight, genetics, and lifestyle can play a significant role in the early production of these hormones. If a girl’s breasts begin to develop before the age of 8 or 9, this could be the first sign of early menstruation. Consulting a doctor is essential in such situations.
Furthermore, in most cases, it’s been found that the girl’s pituitary gland activates early, leading to hormonal imbalances and increased peer pressure due to poor physical activity, which can be major causes of early periods.

1. What Problems Can Arise From Getting Periods At An Early Age?

Beginning periods at an early age can cause a girl to experience various physical and mental problems, which can impact her family and her future.

2. Feeling Embarrassed In Front Of Friends

Generally speaking, a class consists of children of approximately the same age or around the same age. Most school boards begin teaching biology to children after the 8th grade. Furthermore, in Indian families, very few parents discuss topics like menstruation with their children face-to-face. Therefore, if a girl starts menstruating at a young age, it can be a serious mental stress for her. She may not be able to discuss it openly with her friends or family, as such a situation can be embarrassing.

3. Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes

According to Dr. Monica Agarwal, a gynecologist and doctor at the Gynecology Clinic in JB Nagar, Mumbai, “Starting periods at a very young age can also put girls at risk for type 2 diabetes.” A study of more than 15,000 women in China found that women who started menstruating at an early age were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

However, body mass index (BMI) may be a protective factor. According to a study published in the journal Menopause, each year of delay in menopause reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by approximately six percent. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), says that if a girl starts menstruating at an early age, she may be at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

It should be noted that in 2015, the global burden of type 2 diabetes rose to 100. Typically, 8.8 percent of people aged 20 to 79 were affected, and by 2040, the number of patients could reach approximately 10.4 percent. Furthermore, these girls are at increased risk of obesity and breast cancer.

Furthermore, girls who experience late periods may be at higher risk of diseases like heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure than other girls.

4. What Should I Do If I Get My Periods At An Early Age?

• If a girl gets her period at an early age, she should first discuss it with an elder member of her family, such as her mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, or aunt.
• If you feel hesitant about discussing this with anyone at home, you can also talk to a female teacher at your school. You can ask them what you should and should not do during such times.
• You can find various books online explaining the menstruation cycle. Other comics are also available. You can use them to better understand your menstrual cycle.

5. What Should Parents Do If Their Daughter Starts Menstruating At An Early Age?

• First, if you notice any physical or mental changes in your daughter, talk to her about them and observe her behaviour.
• If you can’t talk openly with your daughter about this, you can seek the help of your sister, sister-in-law, or any other older female member of the family who can talk to you about it.
• Your daughter may feel a lack of confidence due to her early periods. To help her overcome this situation, explain to her that this is a natural process that begins in every woman’s life after a certain age. Explain the reasons and benefits behind this.
• However, if your daughter starts menstruating at the age of 8 or earlier, consult a gynecologist. Consultation may be necessary.

If you have any questions about the age of your first period or any other related issues, you can contact your doctor for more information.

Read Also:

1. Why Are 10-11-Year-Old Girls Experiencing Early Periods? Learn Easy Home Remedies And Preventive Measures
2. Why Are Girls Starting Their Periods At A Younger Age? Parents Shouldn;t Ignore This
3. Is It Normal For Girls Under 10 To Get Their Periods? Learn The Reasons
4. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Taking Sunlight
5. Not Only Sunlight, Skin Cancer Can Also Be Caused By These Reasons, These Are Their Symptoms
6. 10 Interesting Facts About The Human Brain
7. Unbelievable Facts About The Human Brain
8. Some Interesting Facts About The Brain
9. Symptoms, Causes, Treatment And Cure Of AIDS
10. What Are HIV And AIDS, How Do They Spread, And How Can They Be Prevented
11. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
12. 21 Types Of Cancers That Pose A Threat To Life; Learn Where They Develop In The Body And How To Identify Them
13. Here Are 9 Unheard Facts About Cancer That Not Everyone Is Aware Of
14. How Does Cancer Develop? Know About The Common Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Types, And Risk Factors To Detect Cancer
15. A Comprehensive Guide To Understanding, Diagnosing, And Treating Cancer
16. What Is Cancer And How Does It Spread In The Body
17. Does Using Airpods For A Long Time Cause Brain Cancer
18. Interesting Facts About The Human Brain
19. Interesting Facts Connected To The Brain (Mind)

2302000cookie-checkHow to Help Your Daughter If She Starts Her Period at a Young Ageyes