The average age for girls to begin menstruation is considered to be between 9 and 14 years old. The first menstrual period typically occurs about a year after the onset of puberty symptoms such as height increase, body hair growth, and breast development. However, in some girls, menstruation may occur before the age of 9 due to hormonal imbalances or other disorders. Early menstruation, known as precocious puberty, can develop as a result of certain medications or medical conditions. Therefore, it is essential to see a doctor promptly for necessary tests.
Why does menstruation start at an early age?
Early menstruation can occur for various reasons. For example, the age of onset of menstruation can vary from race to race. Genetic factors also influence the age of menstruation. A girl may experience early menstruation if her mother or older sister, or her mother's sisters, experienced it at an early age. Another cause of early menstruation is dietary habits. Increased protein intake, weight gain due to excessive fat and carbohydrate consumption, and a diet rich in processed foods are among the factors that can affect puberty and menstruation. Furthermore, hormone-disrupting substances ingested with food, environmental factors, and substances in our belongings that affect the hormonal system can also lead to early menstruation in girls.
Apart from all of these, brain tumors, brain abscesses and infections, hormone-secreting tumors in the adrenal gland or ovaries, ovarian tumors, and consanguineous marriages are also among the causes of early menstruation.
Can Early Menstruation Be Treated?
If girls start menstruating at an early age, this can lead to several developmental problems. For example, girls who menstruate early may be shorter than their peers because their bone development period is shorter. Furthermore, because the first signal from the brain goes to the pituitary gland, testosterone and estrogen hormones are secreted earlier than in girls who menstruate at the normal time. This earlier secretion can cause signs such as breast development and rounding of the body earlier than their peers, leading girls who menstruate early to feel more lonely and different. Treatment for early menstruation focuses on preventing premature growth cessation and providing psychological support. During treatment, menstruation can be stopped with hormonal medications. Treatment for early menstruation is managed by pediatric endocrinologists. It is healthier to be under endocrinological care in such cases.
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