Black children of low socioeconomic status are starting their periods earlier than the average age, and it takes more time for their menstrual cycles to become regular, according to a new report.
In a study published last week, researchers with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Apple Women’s Health Study found that the United States’ younger generations are experiencing their first menstrual period — called “menarche” — before the average age of 12.
This is especially the case for racial minorities and children living in a lower socioeconomic status, the researchers found.
The research looked at more than 71,000 people born between 1950 and 2005 and found that, as time passed, all groups were experiencing their first periods at younger ages. But this trend was strongest among Black, Asian and other nonwhite ethnicities and those of low socioeconomic status.
The racial disparities in puberty in general are well documented. Though children across races are beginning puberty at younger ages, research has shown that Black girls are more than twice as likely as White girls to start puberty early. Today, puberty begins between ages 8 and 13, on average, but some Black girls are seeing the onset as early as 5 years old. This is called precocious puberty, which is rare and affects 1% or less of the country’s population, the National Institutes of Health noted.
The new research is among the first to examine the first period in the context of race and socioeconomic status, and it is among the first to explore menstrual cycle regularity.
“This is important because early menarche and irregular periods can signal physical and psychosocial problems later in life, and these trends may contribute to the increase in adverse health outcomes and disparities in the U.S.,” said Zifan Wang, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral research fellow.
While the exact reasons for this phenomenon remain unclear, some experts suggest environmental chemicals and pollutants may contribute, and highly processed foods can accelerate aging and adversely affect health. Chronic stress could also play a role in early periods, according to the study, which may come as a surprise to some.
“We also observed that a part of the trend towards earlier menarche could possibly be explained by high body mass index during childhood,” Wang continued. “This implies that childhood obesity, which has been increasing in the U.S., might be contributing to people getting their periods earlier.”
Early menstruation has been linked to cardiovascular diseases and cancers, while entering puberty early in general has been linked to depression and anxiety, and it may increase the likelihood of developing eating disorders and even stunt children’s growth.
The study also shows just how important period education will continue to be as more and more young people get their periods earlier.
Preparing Children for Periods
By Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell
Some girls fear telling their parents they are bleeding when they begin their periods, highlighting the need for open, early conversations about menstrual health.
As parents, we cannot predict when our children’s menstrual cycles will start, and as the study suggests, they could come sooner than you think. And while the trend of starting menstruation at an earlier age is concerning, one thing we can all do as parents is make sure our children feel prepared for the changes in their bodies and empowered to ask questions about what they’re going through.
One of the best ways to educate young girls about their bodies and menstrual health is to provide information about menstruation before they experience it.
Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell
In fact, one of the best ways to educate young girls about their bodies and menstrual health is to provide information about menstruation before they experience it. With my daughters, we discuss periods, why they happen, and what to expect, so they are informed and less fearful. It’s important for them to know about all parts of their bodies, why those parts are there, and how they function. This knowledge serves as a critical starting point for understanding their health, and it helps arm them with information about what’s normal and what’s not, so they can feel safe and confident in expressing concerns.
Normalizing conversations about periods and pain, and framing them positively, can also help reduce stigma and shame while ensuring that pain is taken seriously. As a community, we can support the development and well-being of young girls of color by educating and empowering them, ensuring access to menstrual products, and advocating for their health while teaching them to advocate for themselves. For practical menstrual preparation, simple solutions like using pencil cases to store pads or tampons can help girls manage their periods discreetly. Such small steps can significantly impact their comfort and confidence.
On a larger scale, we should continue to help girls of color embrace their periods so they can feel empowered, confident, and safe in their bodies. One way to start is by normalizing conversations about menstrual health, reducing shame about periods, and ensuring access to necessary resources. Educating communities about the unique challenges faced by girls of color will also foster an environment of understanding and advocacy. Together, we can ensure that every girl — regardless of age — has the knowledge, support, and confidence to navigate her menstrual health with dignity.