The age you got your first period is linked to certain medical conditions. According to health experts, the age at which you got your first period is crucial information that might indicate risk of certain diseases and might impact your health. These conditions include:
IT MIGHT IMPACT YOUR WEIGHT:
The first occurrence of menstruation is also referred to as menarche. Researchers have claimed that an early occurrence of periods is linked to weight gain in early adulthood and obesity in later stages. Health experts believe an early menarche is associated with a higher body mass index in childhood. Hence, children who are overweight in their childhood are likely to experience obesity in adulthood too.
IT CAN AFFECT YOUR HEART HEALTH:
In case you got your periods before the age of 10 or after 17 years of age (both extremes), you might be at a higher risk of getting heart diseases. According to researchers, who studied 1.3 million women, those who got their menstruation cycle at the age of 13 had the lowest risk of heart diseases. The study also found out that women who had their first period at the age of 10 or after the age of 17 had the highest risk of getting heart diseases, strokes and even high blood pressure.
IT MIGHT AFFECT YOUR PREGNANCY:
It also found out that women who got periods at an early age are at a greater risk of developing pregnancy complications. It could expose you to the risk of preeclampsia (a condition characterized by high blood pressure and could even damaged organs). If this condition remains untreated, it could be fatal for the new-born as well as the mother.
RISK OF DIABETES:
Researchers also say that women who get their period at an early age may have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. As early menarche is associated with a higher BMI, it is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. It should be noted that onset of puberty means hormonal changes which might also increase insulin resistance. Getting your period at an early age means that your body gets an early exposure to the hormonal changes, which in turn, could increase the risk of diabetes.
IT COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF BREAST CANCER:
If you got your period before the age of 12, you are at 20 per cent higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Also Read: Things you should know about having sex during your period
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