Dr Seema Sharma
Menstruation is a natural process. However, in most parts of the world, it continues to remain a taboo and is rarely talked about openly. A new norm that is on the rise is the early onset of puberty in girls and boys. A large number of girls are getting their first period at eight or nine years of age. A major reason is that the production of hormones that mark the onset of puberty start early in their body. In a majority of cases, there is no definite reason for this. However, many times early menstruation may be related to body weight, lifestyle factors like obesity and hereditary factors. A number of studies have shown an association between obesity and an increased risk of early puberty in young girls and boys.
While menarche is starting early now, it is extremely important that menstrual hygiene is discussed with the adolescent girls by their parents, teachers, etc. Puberty is a critical juncture between childhood and adulthood and needs to be handled with sensitivity by adults.
Need for awareness
Many parents, even mothers, are uncomfortable discussing the subject with their daughters. It is extremely important to provide accurate and pragmatic information to ensure good hygienic menstrual practices. The family, especially the mother, has the most important role in educating the girls and telling them about practising safe health behaviours so that they can face the critical stage of puberty, armed with right information.
Awareness and knowledge prevent girls from feeling embarrassed about a natural process and make them feel confident about themselves and their body. More than girls, it is awareness among men and boys (father, husband, teachers, brothers and peers) that is needed to avoid embarrassment, cultural practices and taboos around menstruation that negatively impact a woman or girl's lives.
When does puberty start?
Puberty starts at different times and lasts for different periods of time for everyone. It can start as early as 8 years or as late as 13 years of age. The sequence of puberty — from breast development to complete physical maturation — may take a year and a half. This is sometimes very difficult for girls as some of their peers may have entered and completed puberty before some of them may have even started. However, there is no way to slow or speed up the process. Girls’ bodies change in size and shape during puberty. Their hips become more rounded and they get a more defined waist. The vulva, vagina and nipples get bigger and the breasts begin to develop, sometimes unevenly. Other changes include appearance of pubic hair and vaginal discharge — an increase in the mucous produced in the vagina.
Impact of lifestyle habits
The incidence of obesity among kids is rising alarmingly. About one-quarter to one-fifth of children in India are obese. Obesity in children has tripled in the last few years. Parents are responsible as they continuously feed their children processed foods that are high in calorie and fat. Maintaining a healthy weight and providing the right nutrition is one of the most important factors that affect pubertal development. Overweight or obese children are also more likely to enter puberty early as many are not encouraged enough to engage in outdoor activities. Most obese kids are addicted to TV, playstations, and many may be binge eating. Instead of harmful junk food, parents need to give them a balanced diet that has the right amount of protein, carbs, fat, iron, calcium, zinc and folate during this critical period of rapid growth.
What we need to do
Education and information by parents about reproductive health, sexuality and related issues is often a no-go area that leads to lack of right knowledge and understanding on these issue.
Signs
In girls
In boys
Other symptoms to watch out
Some myths
— The writer is senior consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, Cloudnine Hospital, Chandigarh
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