Growing up too fast: The truth behind early periods in Girls

Something is changing and fast. Across India, more and more girls are hitting puberty earlier than ever before. What was once considered unusual is now becoming surprisingly common. Some girls are getting their first periods or showing signs of puberty as early as 7. This early development, known as precocious puberty, is worrying doctors, parents, and teachers alike.

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In fact, about 34% of Indian girls are showing signs of puberty before age 8. The average age for a girl's first period (menarche) has now dropped to around 12 years—a noticeable shift from just a generation ago.

“Early puberty is a silent epidemic in urban India. It's time we move beyond awareness and take concrete action—starting with our homes, our schools, and the choices we make every day for our children,” says Dr. Sujata Kar, a renowned gynaecologist in Bhubaneswar.

Why is this happening?

1. Weight Gain and Hormones

One of the biggest reasons is the rise in childhood obesity. More body fat means more estrogen, a hormone that kickstarts puberty. Extra fat also increases leptin, another hormone linked to earlier development.

2. Chemicals in Everyday Products

We may not notice, but children are often exposed to chemicals in plastic containers, cosmetics, and even household items. Substances like BPA and phthalates can act like estrogen in the body, messing with hormone balance and speeding up puberty.

Some experts also raise concerns about certain hormones used in dairy farming, which might be entering the food chain and affecting young children.

3. Screen Time and Sleep Disruption

Too much screen time, especially exposure to content not meant for kids, may stimulate areas of the brain involved in puberty. Poor sleep habits are also a concern. Sleep is essential because melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep cycle, also plays a role in timing puberty. Irregular or reduced sleep can throw that off balance.

Why should you be concerned?

Getting a period early isn’t just about physical changes—it can affect a child emotionally and mentally. Girls who go through puberty early face a higher risk of hormonal cancers, diabetes, weak bones, and even depression later in life.

Boys are also experiencing earlier puberty, but the changes in girls are often more noticeable and stressful.

What can you do as a Parent?

The good news is there are steps you can take to help delay early puberty:

• Serve a balanced diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

• Encourage daily physical activity be it dancing, swimming, or any sport

• Cut down on screen time and keep content age-appropriate

• Create a bedtime routine and make sure your child gets enough sleep

• Use natural or chemical-free products whenever possible

• Help your child maintain a healthy body weight

Early puberty is a growing issue, but with awareness and small lifestyle changes, we can protect our children’s health and emotional well-being. Let’s give them the time they need to grown at their own pace.