– Dr. Rita Bakshi –
Periods are a natural phenomenon and parents should be very open about it. It is always better for the children to gather the right information about such sensitive issues from their parents rather than gaining baffling information from their peers.
During 1990’s, the average age for onset of periods was around 13 years but with changing lifestyles it has fallen down to as early as 8 years. This decline in the age levels is more prevalent in the urban areas, despite all the amenities and comforts.
This has been a rising concern among the parents of young girls about the early outbreak of their daughter’s menstrual cycle. While, the onset of periods is a natural process, it can be very stressing for a young girl.
The following are the major reasons why there is occurrence of early periods among girls:
Imbalanced Hormones
The main reason why girls have early periods is because the body lacks the right balance of hormones. It’s always insisted that balanced hormones are very vital in a women’s body.
In the majority of cases, there is no obvious reason for why the body has started producing these hormones, early. It is affected by various reasons like such as thyroid, blood sugar levels, Body Mass Index or even hereditary.
Early puberty has a lot of mental and physical uneasiness associated with it as young girls are not mature enough to manage these changes and emotions. Girls, who encounter periods at an early age, often find it very difficult and strenuous to deal with the changes that their body encounters.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
It is often seen that the girls have an early onset of periods generally have a higher Body Mass Index (BMI). It is suggested that the BMI should not be very high or too low. It is proven that obese girls get their first period months earlier than those who have normal Body Mass Index. Thus, overweight girls are more exposed to have periods at an earlier age.
Today’s girls are hitting puberty early due to multiple factors like degraded environment, unhealthy eating habits and imbalanced sleep cycles. This leads to accumulation of fat in the body. These fat cells in our body develop leptin. The higher the leptin levels, the higher are the chances for onset of puberty.
Heredity
It is also found that a girl’s age of breaking out of her periods is linked with that of her maternal family, including her mother, elder sisters, grandmother or aunts. The onset of her periods has a direct co-relation to that of her mother’s. If the mother has undergone early periods, it is presumed that the daughter will also have an onset during the similar time.
Thyroid
Imbalanced secretion in the Thyroid Glands can lead to Hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism in young girls can trigger an early start of periods, even before the age of 10. This early puberty is known as Precocious Puberty, which has been taking over these young girls like a storm.
An Ending Note
It is suggested that the girls must have proper and balanced diets and must include fresh and green vegetables. The parents must keep a check on their children and must avoid adulterated milk and dairy products. Healthy food lays a foundation for healthy body and a fresh mind. Children must indulge themselves in some physical activities like a brisk walk, yoga or sports.
Each and every person’s body reacts differently. One may have an early period, others might not. These can be based upon numerous variables. Early development in the bodies of girls like development of breast might create an inferiority complex or unnecessary consciousness among them. Thus, parents must have a heart-to-heart conversation about the natural phenomena. The parents must take them for counseling sessions and make them comfortable about these parameters.
These few suggestions aren’t difficult to follow. Apply and accommodate them in your life and see the change in you and your body.
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About the Author
Dr. Rita Bakshi
Author & Consultant
Senior infertility specialist & gynecologist Dr. Rita Bakshi is the chairperson of International Fertility Centre.
She sees herself as a catalyst, which has helped illuminate the lives of many by her passion of treating infertile couples while quenching their search for a bundle of joy in their lives.
Disclaimer : The views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of INVC NEWS.
