GP and women’s health expert Associate Professor Magda Simonis has warned early onset menstruation in Australia is occurring as early as Grade 2 or 3, 8–11 years old, for some girls, and this can be a shock to them and their parents as often it hasn’t been discussed by that age. Usually, education at schools is provided in Years 5 and 6.
“A delay in education could leave many girls unprepared for the physical and emotional changes of puberty, potentially exacerbating feelings of confusion and distress,” Associate Professor Simonis said.
Unfortunately, there is still a stigma and embarrassment around talking with children around these normal bodily functions leasing Gotham seeking the information from often dubious sources such as social media, equally ignorant friends etc.
The comments follow a Harvard University study which found early or very early menstruation for girls has nearly doubled over five decades in the US. Likely it is similar here in Australia. The cause is likely due to the increase in body mass index or childhood obesity due to dietary choices and sedentary lives compared to decades ago. This is a societal issue with overweight and obesity in adults around 65%. So, blaming parents or the child is not helpful.
GPs, can play a vital role in supporting young patients and their families with early onset or normal pubertal changes and earlier with children who are overweight or obese, which can be hard for parents to realise as they often don’t take their children in for check-ups past the pre prep immunisation years of 4 to 5 years old.
Yours in good Health
Dr Mags
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
