New Research Reveals Early Puberty Trend in US Girls: Implications for Long-Term Health

Boston, Massachusetts United States of America
Early menstruation linked to increased risk for conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer later in life
Environmental factors such as hormone-disrupting chemicals and stress may contribute to earlier onset of puberty
Girls in the US are reaching puberty earlier than previous generations
Percentage of girls getting first period before age 11 nearly doubled from 8.5% to 15.5%
New Research Reveals Early Puberty Trend in US Girls: Implications for Long-Term Health

A new body of research suggests that girls in the United States are reaching puberty earlier than previous generations, with potentially significant implications for their long-term health. According to multiple studies, the percentage of girls getting their first period before the age of 11 has nearly doubled from about 8.5% to 15.5%. This trend is particularly pronounced among girls of color and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, who start menstruation almost a year earlier on average compared to their white peers.

The reasons for this shift are not yet fully understood, but researchers believe that environmental factors such as hormone-disrupting chemicals, air pollutants, heavy metals, and stress and childhood trauma may be contributing factors. Exposure to these substances has been linked to an earlier onset of puberty in girls.

The consequences of early menstruation can be far-reaching. Several studies have found that girls who start their periods earlier are at a higher risk for conditions later in life, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer such as breast and endometrial cancer. Additionally, irregular menstrual cycles can lead to fertility problems.

Parents should be aware of the signs of early puberty in their daughters and consult with a healthcare professional if they notice any concerning symptoms. It is important for girls to receive regular check-ups to monitor their health and development, especially during the critical period of adolescence.

The trend towards earlier menstruation is a complex issue that requires further research to fully understand its causes and consequences. As researchers continue to study this phenomenon, it is essential that we remain vigilant about the potential risks associated with early puberty and take steps to mitigate them.


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Confidence

90%

Doubts
  • Are there any studies that have found environmental factors to be the sole cause of earlier onset of puberty?
  • What specific hormone-disrupting chemicals have been linked to earlier menstruation in girls?

Sources

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

New study details potential long-term health risks as American girls reach puberty earlier

PBS NewsHour Friday, 31 May 2024 22:25
  • Unique Points
    • Girls in America are reaching puberty earlier on average than previous generations.
    • The percentage of girls getting their period before the age of 11 has almost doubled from about 8.5 to 15.5.
    • Girls of color start menstruation earlier relative to their white peers by almost a year from the first birth cohort to the most recent.
    • Parents should take their children for an evaluation if they notice early signs of puberty.
    • Exposure to environmental factors like hormone-disrupting chemicals, air pollutants, heavy metals, and stress and childhood trauma are potential causes for earlier onset of puberty.
  • Accuracy
    • Early onset of puberty and menstrual irregularity are associated with long-term health risks such as cardiovascular disease, infertility or fertility problems, mood disorders, and cancers.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article contains an interview with Dr. Shruthi Mahalingaiah, and the author does not make any fallacious statements during the reporting of the study's findings. However, there is one instance of a potential appeal to authority when Dr. Mahalingaiah mentions that 'both of these characteristics [early age at first period and menstrual irregularity] are associated with a variety of long-term health consequences.' While this statement is true, it would be more accurate for the author to report that 'studies have shown' or 'research indicates' these associations instead of relying solely on Dr. Mahalingaiah's authority.
    • Both of these characteristics [early age at first period and menstrual irregularity] are associated with a variety of long-term health consequences.
    • Participants had to have an iPhone and download the research app and be comfortable communicating in English.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

88%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Girls’ periods starting earlier and becoming more irregular: Study

Deseret News Lois M. Thursday, 30 May 2024 18:00
  • Unique Points
    • Girls have been getting their periods earlier and earlier for more than half a century.
    • Between the oldest and youngest age groups, the number experiencing early menarche rose from 8.6% to 15.5%.
    • Among those who hadn’t reached regular cycles, the share in the younger group was 18.9%, compared to 3.4% in the older group.
    • The study found that children are experiencing longer time to regularity, which is linked to health problems including longer menstrual cycles and higher risk of metabolic conditions and all-cause death.
  • Accuracy
    • The average age of menarche was 12.2 years, but close to 13% had periods start before age 11.
    • Between the oldest and youngest age groups, the number experiencing early menarche rose from 8.6% to 15.5.
    • The study found that children are experiencing longer time to regularity.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in the way it presents information about early onset menstruation and its potential causes. It implies that obesity is a primary factor for early menarche without disclosing that this is still debated according to the study itself. The article also selectively reports details that support its narrative, such as mentioning only certain risk factors linked to health challenges, while ignoring others like endocrine-disrupting chemicals and psychosocial stress. Furthermore, it does not disclose that some of the data used in the study came from self-reported information which can be prone to error.
    • It does not disclose that some of the data used in the study came from self-reported information which can be prone to error.
    • The article implies that obesity is a primary factor for early menarche without disclosing that this is still debated according to the study itself. Whether and to what extent the trend in menarche is attributable to changes in early-life body mass index (BMI) remains to be determined,
    • The article selectively reports details that support its narrative, such as mentioning only certain risk factors linked to health challenges, while ignoring others like endocrine-disrupting chemicals and psychosocial stress.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

96%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Girls in the U.S. are getting their period earlier. Here's what parents should know

National Public Radio (NPR) Ayesha Rascoe Sunday, 02 June 2024 00:00
  • Unique Points
    • Girls in the U.S. are getting their first period earlier than before.
  • Accuracy
    • The percentage of girls getting their period before the age of 11 has almost doubled from about 8.5 to 15.5.
    • Researchers have identified obesity and environmental pollutants as potential factors contributing to early puberty.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

94%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Kids are starting menstruation earlier, study shows. Here is what that means for their health

CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Madeline Holcombe Thursday, 30 May 2024 13:03
  • Unique Points
    • Children are experiencing longer time to regularity which is linked to health problems including longer menstrual cycles and higher risk of metabolic conditions and all-cause death.
    • Researchers noted that other factors need to be explored to explain these trends and disparities, including environmental factors such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, metals or air pollutants, dietary factors like sugar intake, psychosocial stress and adverse childhood experiences.
  • Accuracy
    • Study shows younger generations are getting their first periods earlier.
    • Girls are getting their first period on average at the age of 11.9 years old between 2000 and 2005.
    • Researchers found that younger generations were starting their first period (menarche) earlier.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (90%)
    The article contains a few informal fallacies and appeals to authority. It also uses inflammatory rhetoric by implying that earlier menstruation could be due to high BMI or other environmental factors such as microplastics. The author does not clearly distinguish between statements made by herself and those being quoted, which is a violation of the ignore rules.
    • . . . younger generations were starting their first period (menarche) earlier, and the time it took for their periods to become regular also increased.
    • In the latest study, researchers compared trends in the ages of first periods and how long it took for menstruation to become regular by age groups, Wang said.
    • The longer people have irregular menstrual cycles, the longer they may be exposed to an imbalance between two important hormones: estrogen and progesterone.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

95%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Girls Are Starting Their Periods Earlier. Here’s Why That Matters.

The New York Times Alisha Haridasani Thursday, 30 May 2024 15:34
  • Unique Points
    • Several studies have consistently found that the decline in age seems to be steepest among racial minority groups, girls from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and those who have higher BMIs.
    • Researchers link early menstruation and persistent cycle irregularity to an increased risk of conditions later in life, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as breast and endometrial cancer.
  • Accuracy
    • ]A new study found that girls are starting their menstrual cycles earlier now than in previous decades.[
    • Girls typically start menstruating between 12 and 13 years old.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains several informal fallacies and appeals to authority. It also uses inflammatory rhetoric by implying that there is a trend of normalizing disparities in health outcomes based on race and socioeconomic status.
    • . . . the trend is more pronounced for girls from minority groups and those from lower-income backgrounds.
    • Several studies have consistently found that the decline in age seems to be steepest among racial minority groups, girls from lower socioeconomic groups and those who have higher B.M.I.s.
    • Dr. Juliana Deardorff, head of the Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health program at University of California, Berkeley . . .
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication