Ishita Roy

Why Are Girls Getting Their Period Early?

Why are girls getting their period early?

A recent study that analysed data from more than 71,000 females in the United States published in JAMA Network Open revealed that the average age at <span>menarche</span>, a <span>menstruator</span>'s first <span>period</span> decreased from 12.5 years from those born in 1950-1969 to 11.9 years for those born in 2000-2005. The research also found that menarche may happen earlier than the age of 11 in some cases. 

Dr Ash Sujit G, consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre in Mumbai notes that while the average age for menarche has become 6 months earlier in the US since the 1960s, the average age in India remains between 12.77 years to 13.49 years. 

"That said, around 10-15% of girls are getting their periods at age 7 or younger. There has been an obvious shift in the age of menarche, with as many as 30% of them getting thelarche (breast growth) and pubarche (hair growth around the pubic and axillary area) by the age of 8," he notes. 

This is a trend mostly seen in developing nations. The initial years mostly have irregular cycles and hormonal imbalance around early menarche, which can add to longer and heavier periods along with pain, weakness, iron and vitamin deficiencies, loss of school days, and overall poor health for the kid, notes Dr Ash Sujit G. 

"Several environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to this change. One of the key contributors is excessive body weight or obesity which is associated with a sedentary lifestyle as excessive body fat triggers the production of estrogen which further accelerates puberty," notes Dr Avir Sarkar, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology NIIM. 

<h4>Pollution, Sedentary Lifestyle And Stress</h4>

Childhood obesity and stress are the two most important reasons. High androgen levels, note the experts and more fat tissue, and eventually more estrogen conversion can cause changes in hormonal patterns. 

Also, pollutants in plastics, cosmetics, food products, and the environment (phthalates, bisphenol) have been linked to endocrine disruption and interfere with hormones. 

There has been a significant influence of lifestyle patterns and habits, such a high-calorie diet, and lack of exercise, over the menarcheal age, and this is where the area of concern and change lies, notes Dr Ash Sujit G. 

" Girls with early menstruation have higher chances of premature sexualization or struggle with the social and emotional challenges of puberty before they are ready. Earlier menstruation can be associated with an increased risk of certain health issues such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and metabolic disorders in the long term. Menstruation before time doesn't always signal underlying issues but awareness and proper care can lower the significant health risks," explains Dr Sarkar. 

Dr Ash Sujit G also point out that as per one study, early menarche can increase the risk of breast cancer by up to 20%. "Social and emotional problems due to body dysmorphia (shorter height, early development of breasts), lack of self-esteem and depression can add to the burden too."

Experts point out that awareness about menarche and how it begins is essential. "There should be unhinged talks about this as a support group, including teachers, parents, healthcare providers, along with the kid. This will help overcome the psychological barrier and fears related to menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Diet and lifestyle play an important role in this," notes Dr Ash Sujit G. 

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A recent study that analysed data from more than 71,000 females in the United States published in JAMA Network Open revealed that the average age at menarche, a menstruator's first period decreased from 12.5 years from those born in 1950-1969 to 11.9 years for those born in 2000-2005. The research also found that menarche may happen earlier than the age of 11 in some cases. Dr Ash Sujit G, consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre in Mumbai notes that while the average age for menarche has become 6 months earlier in the US since the 1960s, the average age in India remains between 12.77 years to 13.49 years. "That said, around 10-15% of girls are getting their periods at age 7 or younger. There has been an obvious shift in the age of menarche, with as many as 30% of them getting thelarche (breast growth) and pubarche (hair growth around the pubic and axillary area) by the age of 8," he notes. This is a trend mostly seen in developing nations. The initial years mostly have irregular cycles and hormonal imbalance around early menarche, which can add to longer and heavier periods along with pain, weakness, iron and vitamin deficiencies, loss of school days, and overall poor health for the kid, notes Dr Ash Sujit G. But Why Is This Happening?"Several environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to this change. One of the key contributors is excessive body weight or obesity which is associated with a sedentary lifestyle as excessive body fat triggers the production of estrogen which further accelerates puberty," notes Dr Avir Sarkar, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology NIIM. Pollution, Sedentary Lifestyle And StressChildhood obesity and stress are the two most important reasons. High androgen levels, note the experts and more fat tissue, and eventually more estrogen conversion can cause changes in hormonal patterns. Also, pollutants in plastics, cosmetics, food products, and the environment (phthalates, bisphenol) have been linked to endocrine disruption and interfere with hormones. There has been a significant influence of lifestyle patterns and habits, such a high-calorie diet, and lack of exercise, over the menarcheal age, and this is where the area of concern and change lies, notes Dr Ash Sujit G. What Happens Then?" Girls with early menstruation have higher chances of premature sexualization or struggle with the social and emotional challenges of puberty before they are ready. Earlier menstruation can be associated with an increased risk of certain health issues such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and metabolic disorders in the long term. Menstruation before time doesn't always signal underlying issues but awareness and proper care can lower the significant health risks," explains Dr Sarkar. Dr Ash Sujit G also point out that as per one study, early menarche can increase the risk of breast cancer by up to 20%. "Social and emotional problems due to body dysmorphia (shorter height, early development of breasts), lack of self-esteem and depression can add to the burden too."What Can Be Done?Experts point out that awareness about menarche and how it begins is essential. "There should be unhinged talks about this as a support group, including teachers, parents, healthcare providers, along with the kid. This will help overcome the psychological barrier and fears related to menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Diet and lifestyle play an important role in this," notes Dr Ash Sujit G. 

why are girls getting their period early?

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Human papillomavirus (<span>HPV</span>) is a virus that affects every sexually active person at some point of their life, even if there are no symptoms. The <span>World Health Organization</span> explains that it can affect the skin, genital area, and throat. While preventative measures do help, they cannot totally protect themselves from transmission. Despite the contagious nature of the virus, these infections go away without treatment. However, there are some likely scenarios where they can cause abnormal cells to develop, which later on become cancer. 

What deters many people from getting themselves checked out is the general stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections or diseases. So, when at home tests became available, the rates screenings improved a lot! 

A new study suggests that women are much more likely to get screened for HPV (human papillomavirus) if they can do the test themselves at home in private. This is a big deal because almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Researchers found that when women were offered a mail-in test kit, the number of women getting screened more than doubled. 

<h2>Why <span rel="noindex">At-Home Testing is a Game-Changer</span> </h2>

Around 11,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the U.S. Sadly, more than half of these women have either rarely or never been screened for HPV. Traditional screening often involves a pelvic exam at a clinic, which can be uncomfortable or distressing for some women. It also requires them to take time off and travel to the clinic. 

The good news is that the first at-home screening test for cervical cancer recently got approved for use in the U.S. and should be available very soon. This new option could make a huge difference in how many women get screened. 

To see how at-home testing would work in real life, researchers studied nearly 2,500 women aged 30 to 65. They divided the women into three groups: 

<ul><li>One group received a phone call reminding them to go to a clinic for screening.</li><li>Another group was mailed an at-home self-collection test kit.</li><li>The third group received an at-home kit and also got a follow-up call if they didn't return their kit quickly.</li></ul>

The results were clear: women who were offered an at-home test kit were more than twice as likely to get screened. About 41% of those who received a kit participated, compared to only 17% who just got a phone reminder to go to a clinic. When women who received a kit also got follow-up reminders, participation jumped even higher, to 47%. Interestingly, over 80% of the women in the test kit groups who participated chose to mail in their kit for analysis, rather than going to a clinic. 

<h2>Making At-Home Tests Accessible </h2>

The study also found that about 13% of the women who returned a kit tested positive for a high-risk type of HPV. As these self-collection tests become more widely available, it's crucial to ensure they are offered in clinics and health centers, especially for people who face bigger challenges in accessing healthcare. By removing these hurdles, experts hope to increase screening rates and significantly reduce the burden of preventable cervical cancer. 

Researchers now plan to investigate how to best use these HPV self-collection tests in different healthcare settings. While at-home HPV testing offers great promise, the next challenge is to make sure it's adopted safely and effectively into regular medical practice. This includes figuring out how healthcare providers can best follow up with women who have abnormal test results. 

world health organization

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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that affects every sexually active person at some point of their life, even if there are no symptoms. The World Health Organization explains that it can affect the skin, genital area, and throat. While preventative measures do help, they cannot totally protect themselves from transmission. Despite the contagious nature of the virus, these infections go away without treatment. However, there are some likely scenarios where they can cause abnormal cells to develop, which later on become cancer. What deters many people from getting themselves checked out is the general stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections or diseases. So, when at home tests became available, the rates screenings improved a lot! A new study suggests that women are much more likely to get screened for HPV (human papillomavirus) if they can do the test themselves at home in private. This is a big deal because almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Researchers found that when women were offered a mail-in test kit, the number of women getting screened more than doubled. Why At-Home Testing is a Game-Changer Around 11,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the U.S. Sadly, more than half of these women have either rarely or never been screened for HPV. Traditional screening often involves a pelvic exam at a clinic, which can be uncomfortable or distressing for some women. It also requires them to take time off and travel to the clinic. The good news is that the first at-home screening test for cervical cancer recently got approved for use in the U.S. and should be available very soon. This new option could make a huge difference in how many women get screened. How the Study Proved Its Point To see how at-home testing would work in real life, researchers studied nearly 2,500 women aged 30 to 65. They divided the women into three groups: One group received a phone call reminding them to go to a clinic for screening.Another group was mailed an at-home self-collection test kit.The third group received an at-home kit and also got a follow-up call if they didn't return their kit quickly.The results were clear: women who were offered an at-home test kit were more than twice as likely to get screened. About 41% of those who received a kit participated, compared to only 17% who just got a phone reminder to go to a clinic. When women who received a kit also got follow-up reminders, participation jumped even higher, to 47%. Interestingly, over 80% of the women in the test kit groups who participated chose to mail in their kit for analysis, rather than going to a clinic. Making At-Home Tests Accessible The study also found that about 13% of the women who returned a kit tested positive for a high-risk type of HPV. As these self-collection tests become more widely available, it's crucial to ensure they are offered in clinics and health centers, especially for people who face bigger challenges in accessing healthcare. By removing these hurdles, experts hope to increase screening rates and significantly reduce the burden of preventable cervical cancer. Researchers now plan to investigate how to best use these HPV self-collection tests in different healthcare settings. While at-home HPV testing offers great promise, the next challenge is to make sure it's adopted safely and effectively into regular medical practice. This includes figuring out how healthcare providers can best follow up with women who have abnormal test results. 

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For decades, moderate alcohol consumption—typically defined as one to two drinks per day—was thought to provide certain protective benefits for heart health. However, the <span>American Heart Association</span> (AHA) has now issued a strong scientific statement saying that belief no longer holds up against emerging evidence. The AHA, along with many cardiologists in India, including those in Kolkata, are urging caution and reconsideration of alcohol's role in heart health.

<h4>Rethinking the “Protective” Myth</h4>

According to the AHA statement released on June 9, new studies using improved research methods have cast doubt on earlier findings that suggested alcohol might reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks or strokes. While some observational studies hinted at cardioprotective effects, experts now say the data lacks consistency and credibility.

The idea that <span>moderate drinking</span> might lower the risk of certain heart conditions emerged from flawed or outdated studies, many of which didn’t adequately account for lifestyle, dietary patterns, or underlying health issues in participants.

The relationship between alcohol and cardiovascular disease is far from straightforward. The AHA points out that alcohol use has long been linked with a range of heart-related conditions—including high blood pressure (hypertension), myocardial infarction (heart attack), arrhythmias, stroke, and heart failure. While excessive <span>alcohol consumption</span> has always been known to be harmful, even moderate intake may not be as safe as once believed.

Cardiologists caution that no randomized controlled trial has definitively shown alcohol in any form to be beneficial for heart health. Claims that wine—especially red wine—may have positive effects apply only in very specific contexts, and do not justify broad public recommendations.

Experts highlight that for certain individuals, particularly those with high blood pressure, reducing or even eliminating alcohol consumption may be the only safe course. This is because alcohol—even when consumed moderately—can aggravate hypertension and make it harder to control.

There’s also uncertainty around stroke risk. While heavy drinking undeniably increases the likelihood of strokes, the impact of low to moderate drinking remains unclear due to conflicting data. This uncertainty challenges the assumption that light drinking is harmless.

Health professionals continue to warn that all forms of substance use, including alcohol and tobacco, contribute to lifestyle diseases and chronic health conditions. The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women. However, India’s revised Dietary Guidelines, prepared by the Indian Council for Medical Research and the National Institute of Nutrition, do not make any mention of alcohol at all—highlighting a gap in national-level public health messaging.

The global burden of alcohol-related health issues is immense. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimated that alcohol-related conditions could cost the U.S. nearly $1.87 trillion between 2011 and 2050, equivalent to about 1.45% of the country’s GDP. The NIH also criticized the lack of clear public messaging, which has allowed myths about alcohol’s safety to persist for decades.

In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reinforced this warning. In a statement published in The Lancet Public Health, it declared that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption that does not affect health. WHO has also set a goal of reducing harmful alcohol use globally by 10% between 2013 and 2025.

is moderate drinking safe?

american heart association

health and wellness

alcohol consumption

alcohol health impact

moderate drinking

For decades, moderate alcohol consumption—typically defined as one to two drinks per day—was thought to provide certain protective benefits for heart health. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) has now issued a strong scientific statement saying that belief no longer holds up against emerging evidence. The AHA, along with many cardiologists in India, including those in Kolkata, are urging caution and reconsideration of alcohol's role in heart health.Rethinking the “Protective” MythAccording to the AHA statement released on June 9, new studies using improved research methods have cast doubt on earlier findings that suggested alcohol might reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks or strokes. While some observational studies hinted at cardioprotective effects, experts now say the data lacks consistency and credibility.The idea that moderate drinking might lower the risk of certain heart conditions emerged from flawed or outdated studies, many of which didn’t adequately account for lifestyle, dietary patterns, or underlying health issues in participants.Complex and Controversial LinksThe relationship between alcohol and cardiovascular disease is far from straightforward. The AHA points out that alcohol use has long been linked with a range of heart-related conditions—including high blood pressure (hypertension), myocardial infarction (heart attack), arrhythmias, stroke, and heart failure. While excessive alcohol consumption has always been known to be harmful, even moderate intake may not be as safe as once believed.Cardiologists caution that no randomized controlled trial has definitively shown alcohol in any form to be beneficial for heart health. Claims that wine—especially red wine—may have positive effects apply only in very specific contexts, and do not justify broad public recommendations.When Moderation Isn’t EnoughExperts highlight that for certain individuals, particularly those with high blood pressure, reducing or even eliminating alcohol consumption may be the only safe course. This is because alcohol—even when consumed moderately—can aggravate hypertension and make it harder to control.There’s also uncertainty around stroke risk. While heavy drinking undeniably increases the likelihood of strokes, the impact of low to moderate drinking remains unclear due to conflicting data. This uncertainty challenges the assumption that light drinking is harmless.Addiction and Lifestyle RisksHealth professionals continue to warn that all forms of substance use, including alcohol and tobacco, contribute to lifestyle diseases and chronic health conditions. The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women. However, India’s revised Dietary Guidelines, prepared by the Indian Council for Medical Research and the National Institute of Nutrition, do not make any mention of alcohol at all—highlighting a gap in national-level public health messaging.The global burden of alcohol-related health issues is immense. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimated that alcohol-related conditions could cost the U.S. nearly $1.87 trillion between 2011 and 2050, equivalent to about 1.45% of the country’s GDP. The NIH also criticized the lack of clear public messaging, which has allowed myths about alcohol’s safety to persist for decades.In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reinforced this warning. In a statement published in The Lancet Public Health, it declared that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption that does not affect health. WHO has also set a goal of reducing harmful alcohol use globally by 10% between 2013 and 2025.

limited drinking is not safe, says american heart association

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As per the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, June is the <span>cataract awareness month</span>. This has been designated as a month to spread awareness around cataract and educate the public about it. This is also the leading cause of <span>vision loss</span> worldwide. This month-long observance also highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of cataracts, and emphasizes that prompt intervention can significantly preserve vision. 

<h4>Why Is It Declared As The <span rel="noindex">Cataract Month</span>?</h4>

As per the International Agency for the Prevention of <span>Blindness</span> (IAPB), this has been done to provide patients and professionals with free educational resources on cataract, which is the clouding of eye's lens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. An estimated 20.5 million Americans aged 40 year and older have cataract in one or both eyes. 

It is the clouding of eye's natural lens, which sits just behind the iris. In a healthy eye, this lens focuses light onto the retina, allowing us to see clearly. Over time, due to aging or other factors, this lens may become cloudy, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. 

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts account for nearly 51% of world blindness and affects over 65 million people. 

<h4>History Of Cataract Awareness Month </h4>

Prevent Blindness declared the month of June as Cataract Awareness Month and it has been joined by other organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and UNC Ophthalmology. This month spotlights an ocular disease. 

The earliest documented case of cataract was reported to be in a museum in Cairo that houses a small statue from the 5th dynasty. The wooden statue is of a priest reader who has a white patch carved into the pupil of the left eye. It is thought to represent a cataract. 

The earliest procedure of cataract removal is couching. Several illustrations too have been found inside Egyptian temples and tombs depict surgical instruments that indicate the use of couching, a procedure that involved dislodging the eye lens to clear the cataract. 

<h4>How Does Cataract Affect Vision?</h4>

<ul><li>Blurred or foggy vision</li><li>Increased sensitivity to light or glare</li><li>Difficulty seeing at night</li><li>Colors appear faded or yellow</li><li>Frequent changes in glasses prescription</li><li>Seeing halos around lights</li></ul>

Cataract are caused by various factors, some of which include diabetes, prolonged exposure to UV rays, smoking and alcohol consumption, long-term use of corticosteroids, and eye injuries. 

The best way to prevent them is to wear UV-protective sunglasses, manage systemic conditions like diabetes and also go for regular eye exams, especially after the age of 40. It is also important to focus on your diet and other lifestyle habits, and consume more green leafy vegetables, and fruits.

june cataract month

eye health

cataract awareness month

cataract month

vision loss

blindness

As per the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, June is the cataract awareness month. This has been designated as a month to spread awareness around cataract and educate the public about it. This is also the leading cause of vision loss worldwide. This month-long observance also highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of cataracts, and emphasizes that prompt intervention can significantly preserve vision. Why Is It Declared As The Cataract Month?As per the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), this has been done to provide patients and professionals with free educational resources on cataract, which is the clouding of eye's lens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. An estimated 20.5 million Americans aged 40 year and older have cataract in one or both eyes. What Is Cataract?It is the clouding of eye's natural lens, which sits just behind the iris. In a healthy eye, this lens focuses light onto the retina, allowing us to see clearly. Over time, due to aging or other factors, this lens may become cloudy, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts account for nearly 51% of world blindness and affects over 65 million people. History Of Cataract Awareness Month Prevent Blindness declared the month of June as Cataract Awareness Month and it has been joined by other organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and UNC Ophthalmology. This month spotlights an ocular disease. The earliest documented case of cataract was reported to be in a museum in Cairo that houses a small statue from the 5th dynasty. The wooden statue is of a priest reader who has a white patch carved into the pupil of the left eye. It is thought to represent a cataract. The earliest procedure of cataract removal is couching. Several illustrations too have been found inside Egyptian temples and tombs depict surgical instruments that indicate the use of couching, a procedure that involved dislodging the eye lens to clear the cataract. How Does Cataract Affect Vision?The following symptoms are:Blurred or foggy visionIncreased sensitivity to light or glareDifficulty seeing at nightColors appear faded or yellowFrequent changes in glasses prescriptionSeeing halos around lightsWhat Causes Cataract?Cataract are caused by various factors, some of which include diabetes, prolonged exposure to UV rays, smoking and alcohol consumption, long-term use of corticosteroids, and eye injuries. The best way to prevent them is to wear UV-protective sunglasses, manage systemic conditions like diabetes and also go for regular eye exams, especially after the age of 40. It is also important to focus on your diet and other lifestyle habits, and consume more green leafy vegetables, and fruits.

cataract awareness month: importance, significance, and history

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Cataract Awareness Month: Importance, Significance, and History