Girls as young as 8 are getting their first period; doctors explain why

Early menstruation

The early onset of menstruation in girls, with some experiencing their first period as young as eight, is a phenomenon that has caught the attention of medical professionals and parents alike. For many, like S.S., a resident of the UAE, the revelation that her eight-and-a-half-year-old daughter, M.S., had started her menstrual cycle came as a shock. Such occurrences are often unprecedented within families, leaving parents grappling with the implications and challenges that accompany early puberty.

M.S.'s experience underscores a growing trend where young girls face the physical and emotional toll of menstruation at increasingly younger ages. Initially, her menstrual cycles were erratic, but as she neared nine years old, they became alarmingly heavy, resulting in prolonged bleeding that left her anxious and fatigued. S.S. vividly recalls the distressing sight of her daughter's stained clothes and bedsheets each morning—a poignant reminder of the challenges young girls like M.S. endure.

Dr. Amal Abddelaziz, a seasoned consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Thumbay University Hospital, sheds light on the global variations in the onset of puberty, emphasizing that while menstruation typically commences between the ages of 10 and 12, outliers as young as eight are not uncommon. This early initiation of puberty is influenced by a myriad of factors, including socio-economic status, obesity, nutritional health, and overall well-being.

Dr. Charles Nagy, a respected obstetrician and gynecologist at Medcare Women & Children Hospital, underscores the need for proactive parental engagement in preparing children for the physiological changes associated with puberty. Advising parents to initiate conversations about menstruation as early as age six or seven, Dr. Nagy emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment where children feel comfortable discussing their concerns and questions.

For S.S., open communication about menstruation from an early age proved invaluable in helping her daughter navigate the complexities of puberty. By discussing menstruation and demonstrating the use of menstrual products well in advance, S.S. ensured that M.S. was mentally prepared for the onset of her first period—an approach that fostered resilience and understanding in the face of unexpected challenges.

However, for some girls, early menstruation may necessitate medical intervention, particularly if complications arise. Dr. Abddelaziz stresses the importance of identifying signs of precocious puberty, wherein menstruation occurs before the age of eight, warranting medical evaluation and treatment. In cases like M.S.'s, where prolonged and heavy bleeding threatened her well-being, timely medical intervention was instrumental in restoring normalcy to her menstrual cycle and alleviating physical discomfort.

As Dr. Abddelaziz emphasizes, symptoms such as intense pain, irregular bleeding, and recurrent infections warrant thorough medical assessment to address underlying health concerns. By conducting comprehensive physical examinations and diagnostic tests, healthcare professionals can devise tailored treatment plans to mitigate the adverse effects of early menstruation and safeguard the long-term health and well-being of young girls.

In navigating the complexities of early puberty, proactive parental support, informed medical guidance, and open dialogue play pivotal roles in empowering young girls like M.S. to confront the challenges of menstruation with resilience and confidence. Through concerted efforts to foster understanding and provide appropriate care, families and healthcare providers can navigate this developmental milestone with compassion and expertise, ensuring the holistic well-being of young girls as they embark on their journey to adulthood.