Early onset puberty on the rise..

?? New Study Reveals Girls Are Starting Menstruation Earlier

A new study, published last Wednesday by 苹果 and featured in the 纽约时报 found that girls are beginning their menstrual cycles earlier than in previous decades, with a more pronounced trend among minority and lower-income groups. It also shows a new growing trend of big brands with big data contributing to research into women's health.

This study outlined the growing evidence that earlier onset puberty is a global phenomenon, linked to negative health outcomes later in life, but still not fully understood. Studies show the decline in age is steepest among racial minorities, lower socioeconomic groups, and those with higher B.M.I.s.

Dr. Juliana Deardorff from UC Berkeley highlighted, “We should be thinking about this, not just normalizing these disparities.”

The Background The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists views menarche as a health indicator, with early menarche and persistent cycle irregularity linked to increased risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers.

Typically, girls first menstruate at 12-13 years old, taking up to three years for regular cycles.

The Research Drawing on data from over 71,000 iPhone users born between 1950 and 2005, the study found an increase in the number of women starting their periods before age 11, from 8% (1950-1969) to almost 16% (2000-2005). This trend was more pronounced among Black, Hispanic, and Asian women, as well as those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Body mass index explained 46% of these declines.

Dr. Deardorff noted, “Even among people of healthy weight and underweight, these trends are still occurring,” suggesting other factors like pollutants, chemicals, and stressors might be at play.

The Limitations The study relied on self-reported data from women using iPhones, potentially excluding lower socioeconomic groups and making it unclear if these trends apply globally.

As Dr. Deardorff emphasized, age of menarche should be seen as a "bellwether" of the stresses children face. ??????

#PublicHealth #Menarche #HealthDisparities #PediatricHealth #Research #Wellness