Did your period start before the age of 12? Look out for these 7 health issues 

Health

Do you remember the day you got your first period? For some, that day can’t come soon enough. For young girls, getting your period affects your status among peers. No one wants to be the one without their period. But now research is showing that early periods aren’t something to be excited about. In fact, if your period started before the age of 12, there are seven potential health problems you should know about. 

Infertility

A study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that early periods have a significant impact on infertility later in life. This may be because there are fewer follicles to grow eggs.

Early menopause

This 2017 study shows that women who got their first period when they were 11 or younger (compared to girls who get their periods at the ages of 12 and 13) were 80 percent more likely to have menopause before the age of 40.

Breast cancer

The Breast Cancer Fund released a report stating that girls who experienced their first period before the age of 12 had a 50 percent greater risk of developing breast cancer. This may be caused by too much estrogen in the body.

Ovarian cancer

In an analysis of close to 30 studies, the International Journal of Cancer found that early periods were linked to an increase in ovarian cancer.  What’s more, for these women, ovarian cancer is usually more fatal.

Diabetes

Getting your period early is also linked to a higher increase in type 2 diabetes, according to this study. The reason for this may be because premature periods and diabetes have something in common: higher body fat levels.

Osteoporosis

If early menopause comes as a result of early periods, another health concern arises: osteoporosis. In fact, if a women menstruates for less than 25 years are at a greater risk for osteoporosis.

Heart disease

Early periods don’t cause heart disease, but this 2018 study has identified a link between the two. Girls who got their first period before the age of 12 have a 10 percent increase of developing heart disease.

Knowing these potential health problems can help you take preventative measures to ensure that you are safe and well, even if your period came early.

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Health

vaginal lubricants

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How turmeric could help you stay healthy this winter

Food, Health

curcumin

When you’re feeling sick, some foods help you feel better, but others seem to make your symptoms worse. So, while it’s good to avoid spicy, fatty and dairy-heavy foods when you’re ill, there are some foods and spices that seem to have a magic power when it comes to fighting off colds and flus, and turmeric is one of them. Scroll down to learn more about curcumin, found in Turmeric, that has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties to combat sickness.

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