According to a new study, younger generations getting their first menstrual periods earlier and the length of time it takes to become regular is changing, both of which could point to later health problems.
“Among individuals born between 1950 and 2005, we found that younger generations were starting their first period (menarche) earlier and the time it took for their periods to become regular also increase,” said lead study author, Dr. Zifan Wang, a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in an email.
The study published Wednesday in JAMA Network Open looked at data from over 70,000 participants who filled out surveys as part of the Apple Women’s Health Study, a long-term research of menstrual cycles using data from Apple health mobile application. However, other research has also documented the trend in first menstrual cycles starting at earlier ages over time.
To learn more about this study, click on the link below.