Girls in the U.S., particularly those from racial and ethnic minorities and lower socioeconomic backgrounds, are experiencing their first menstrual period significantly earlier compared to previous generations, with some as young as 5 years old.
Overweight and obesity, low physical activity, and excessive screen time are identified as major risk factors for early pubertal development in girls. Overweight is the most significant contributor.
Toxic air, environmental factors, stress, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and exposure to sex hormones are additional potential causes linked to the earlier onset of puberty, especially in girls from lower socioeconomic and ethnic minority groups.
Early puberty is associated with long-term health implications, including increased risks of reproductive cancers, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and social consequences like early sexual activity and teen pregnancies.
The trend of earlier puberty is especially pronounced among Black, Hispanic, Asian, and mixed-race participants, as well as those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Early menarche (first period) and irregular menstrual cycles are linked to increased health risks, including heart problems, dementia, lower fertility, metabolic conditions, and psychological issues like depression and lack of self-confidence in young girls.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: BBC, NPR, New York Times, NBC News, The Guardian, Newsweek, indianexpress.com, punchng.com, reckon.news, timesnownews.com, studyfinds.org, healio.com, latintimes.com, euronews.com, livenowfox.com, and medscape.com.