CNN —Younger generations are getting their first periods earlier, and the length of time it takes to become regular is changing — which could point to later health problems, according to a new study.
But other research has documented the trend in first menstrual cycles starting at earlier ages over time.
Earlier periods might be associated with high body mass index, or BMI, during childhood, Wang said.
“This implies that childhood obesity, which has been increasing in the US, might be contributing to people getting their periods earlier,” Wang added.
Physicians should evaluate children with early periods or a long duration of irregular cycles to make sure there isn’t an underlying problem, Feinberg said.
Persons:
CNN —, ”, Zifan Wang, Harvard University’s T.H, Wang, ” Wang, Eve Feinberg, ” Feinberg, Feinberg, Shruthi Mahalingaiah, T.H
Organizations:
CNN, Harvard University’s, of Public Health, Apple, Apple Health, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, ”, BMI, T.H Chan, Physicians
Locations:
Chan, Chicago