Girls Are Getting Their Periods Earlier, and They’re More Irregular Than Past Generations

Early menstruation may cause adverse health problems later in life.
Girls Are Getting Their Periods Earlier, and They’re More Irregular Than Past Generations
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Young girls are starting their first periods earlier than they have in previous decades—a shift associated with adverse health outcomes later in life.

A new study published on May 29 in JAMA Network Open revealed that the median age at menarche has remained relatively stable at around 12 years, and the proportion of girls starting menstruation before age 11 has significantly increased over time.
Megan Redshaw
Megan Redshaw
J.D.
Megan Redshaw is an attorney and investigative journalist with a background in political science. She is also a traditional naturopath with additional certifications in nutrition and exercise science.