The onset of menstruation means the appearance in a girl’s life of a whole galaxy of events, including PMS and spasms. Modern research shows that if critical days begin before age 12, there may be health problems in the future. Of course, the hormonal clock cannot be reversed, but it is important to know and monitor situations that can harm your health in time.
1. Breast Cancer
The onset of menstruation is accompanied by serious hormonal changes. This is especially true for estrogen, which affects the functioning of the whole body, including the breasts. Statistics show that those who started menstruating before the age of 12 are 50% more likely to get breast cancer than those who “reached” the age of 16. This is due to earlier and more active production of estrogen. Therefore, they should not miss the annual examinations of a gynecologist and a mammologist after 35 years.
2. Early menopause
A study last year found that women who started menstruating before age 11 were 80% more likely to experience menopause at age 40 (premature) and 30% at age 45 (early). ). And this in comparison with those whose critical days began between the ages of 12 and 13! The risk is even higher in nulliparous women.
3. Heart attack
A long-term study published in the American Journal of Heart shows a 10% increased risk of heart problems in those who “grew up” before age 12, compared to those who “later.” Admittedly, so far this is only a possibility, a documented connection, and not an actual threat.
4. Osteoporosis
It is not the age of the first menstruation that plays a role here, but the age of menopause. Research shows that the more estrogen is produced, the better the body’s resistance to osteoporosis. To maintain defense – play sports, take vitamin D and calcium.
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5. Ovarian Cancer
An analysis of 27 previous studies showed an association between the onset of menstruation and the risk of developing this type of cancer. Critical days before age 12 are associated with a 51% increased risk of death compared to onset after age 14. Scientists again attribute this to estrogen production.
6. Diabetes
A health study of 13,308 women found that those who started menstruating before age 12 were more likely to have type 2 diabetes. The link, apparently, is not direct: most likely , being overweight, which also causes earlier critical days, affects the likelihood of developing diabetes.
7. Infertility
Women with early periods tend to have a lower ovarian reserve (number of healthy eggs). In addition, early menopause can disrupt plans to have a child as an adult.
