Your period could be your style and your future health.
Girls reach puberty faster than previous generations, a phenomenon perplexed researchers.
The average age of the beginning of menstruation has declined slightly since 12.5 years of the 1950’s and 60’s and 11.9 years for those born between 2000 and 2005.
The research indicates that about 2% of girls begin to menstruate after 15 years, even less experience before the age of 9.
This is good news, as a new study of Brazil links early or late menstruation to health struggles later in life.
“We now have evidence of a large Brazilian population that confirms how early and late puberty can have different long -term health impacts,” said the author of the Flávia Rezende Tinano study at the University of Sao Paulo.
“Most women can remember -when they had the first period, but they may not realize that it could indicate future health risks.”
The Tinano team analyzed data of more than 7,600 women from 35 to 74 years.
Women were divided into three categories depending on the calendar of their first period: “Early” (less than 10 years), “typical” (10 to 15) or “late” (more than 15).
The health of the participants was evaluated through interviews, physical measures, laboratory tests and ultrasound images.
Researchers determined that women who began to menstrual before the age of 10 were more likely to develop obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems and reproduction problems such as preeclampsia over time.
Women who won the first period after 15 years were less likely to be obese, but are more likely to have irregular periods and certain heart conditions.
“Understanding these ties can help women and their doctors more proactive to prevent conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease,” said Tinano.
The study was presented this week at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco.
Menstruation is the monthly spill of the uterine coating, which indicates that the woman is not pregnant.
Past research has suggested a link between late menarquia and an increase in risk of Alzheimer’s osteoporosis, fractures and disease.
Starting subsequent menstruation means delayed estrogen exposure, a key hormone that protects and builds bone density.
On the other hand, starting the previous menstruation means a higher life exposure to estrogen, which stimulates the growth and development of breast tissue and can create hormonal imbalance.
Early menarche has been associated with high risks of heart problems, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, anxiety and depression.
Researchers have not exactly indicated why girls pass puberty earlier than before.
Some have indicated an increase in childhood obesity rates, a greater exposure to chemicals that affect endocrines and higher stress levels.
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