While the reasons are not fully understood, the study found that 45 per cent of the discovered genetic variants affected puberty indirectly, by increasing weight gain in early childhood…reports Asian Lite News
An international team of scientists has identified genes that can indirectly influence the age at which girls have their first period by accelerating weight gain in childhood.
The team led by the University of Cambridge studied the DNA of around 800,000 women from Europe, North America, China, Japan, and Korea.
Their results, published in the journal Nature Genetics, showed more than 1,000 variants — small changes in DNA — that influence the age of the first menstrual period. Around 600 of these variants were observed for the first time, the team said.
Normally periods occur between ages 10 to 15, but this has been getting earlier and earlier in recent decades.
While the reasons are not fully understood, the study found that 45 per cent of the discovered genetic variants affected puberty indirectly, by increasing weight gain in early childhood.
“Many of the genes we’ve found influence early puberty by first accelerating weight gain in infants and young children. This can then lead to potentially serious health problems in later life, as having earlier puberty leads to higher rates of overweight and obesity in adulthood,” said Professor John Perry, at the varsity’s Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit.
The scientists also analysed rare genetic variants that are carried by very few people, but which can have large effects on puberty. For example, they found that one in 3,800 women carry variants in the gene ZNF483, which caused these women to experience puberty on average, 1.3 years later.
Dr. Katherine Kentistou, lead study investigator said that the team “identified six genes which all profoundly affect the timing of puberty”.
Besides causing early onset of periods in girls, these genes often had “the same impact on the timing of puberty in boys”.
Consistency in cycle length is another essential sign of a healthy menstrual cycle. It means that the duration between the start of one period and the start of the next is relatively stable…reports Asian Lite News
A healthy menstrual cycle is not only indicative of good reproductive health but also reflects overall well-being. It is essential for women to pay attention to their menstrual cycles and understand what constitutes a healthy and normal period. By being aware of the signs of a healthy menstrual cycle, women can better monitor their reproductive health and seek medical attention if any irregularities arise. Dr. Vishesh Kasliwal, MBBS, DEM and Founder, Medyseva shares five signs of a healthy menstrual cycle that should not be ignored.
Regular Cycle Length:
A regular menstrual cycle generally lasts between 21 to 35 days. While the length may vary slightly from woman to woman, consistency is key. Having a predictable cycle length suggests that the body is ovulating regularly and releasing an egg for potential fertilization. Irregular cycles, on the other hand, can indicate hormonal imbalances, stress, or other underlying health issues. If your menstrual cycle regularly falls outside the typical range, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to investigate the cause.
napkin
Normal Bleeding:
The amount and duration of menstrual bleeding can vary from woman to woman. However, a healthy menstrual cycle involves a moderate to heavy flow for an average of two to seven days. If you experience excessively heavy bleeding that requires changing sanitary products more frequently than every two hours or if your period lasts longer than seven days, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition such as uterine fibroids or hormonal imbalances. Likewise, abnormally light periods or spotting may indicate issues with ovulation or the uterine lining. Any persistent deviation from the norm should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Minimal Pain and Discomfort:
While some degree of discomfort during menstruation is common, excessive pain or debilitating cramps may be a sign of an underlying problem. Mild cramping caused by uterine contractions is normal, but severe pain that interferes with daily activities or requires the use of pain medication should not be ignored. Conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or fibroids can cause intense menstrual pain. If you experience severe or worsening pain during your period, it is crucial to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Consistent Cycle Length:
Consistency in cycle length is another essential sign of a healthy menstrual cycle. It means that the duration between the start of one period and the start of the next is relatively stable. Tracking your cycles on a calendar or using a period-tracking app can help identify any irregularities or changes in cycle length. Significant variations or sudden changes in the length of your menstrual cycle may indicate hormonal imbalances, stress, or other underlying health conditions. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended if you notice persistent irregularities in your cycle length.
Balanced Mood and Energy Levels:
Fluctuations in hormones during the menstrual cycle can affect mood and energy levels. However, a healthy menstrual cycle involves manageable mood swings and only slight changes in energy levels. Feeling excessively fatigued, experiencing severe mood swings, or struggling with persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety during your period may indicate hormonal imbalances or even conditions such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). If these symptoms significantly impact your daily life, it is important to seek medical support for appropriate management strategies.
In conclusion, paying attention to the signs of a healthy menstrual cycle is crucial for women’s overall well-being. Regular cycle length, normal bleeding patterns, minimal pain and discomfort, consistent cycle length, and balanced mood and energy levels are all important indicators of reproductive health. Any persistent deviations from these signs should not be ignored, as they may signal underlying health issues that require medical attention. By understanding what constitutes a healthy menstrual cycle and seeking appropriate care, women can proactively manage their reproductive health and ensure their overall well-being.
Being a part of this change and seeing them rediscover their confidence and zeal is quite overwhelming…Bhumi speaks with Puja Gupta.
Its astonishing that still girls are being hindered to get education in the rural areas only because of menstruation. Prioritizing period education and protection is the key to ensuring more and more girls continue to stay in school, says Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar.
The actress has been actively participating in the nationwide movement #KeepGirlsInSchool campaign by Whisper, in collaboration with UNESCO. The campaign aims to help keep 90 lakh girls in school and was mobilised to raise awareness and impact young girls, reaching over 5.5 crore people.
Almost 10 lakh people supported Whisper’s petition to integrate a period and puberty education module in school curriculum, which is currently being developed in partnership with UNESCO.
Sharing her excitement on having a positive impact on girls’ future, Bhumi Pednekar said,”Having closely worked with Whisper and UNESCO for their #KeepGirlsInSchool movement, I have personally seen how confident young girls are once they understand periods and how to manage them. Being a part of this change and seeing them rediscover their confidence and zeal is quite overwhelming.
It took me back to my adolescent years that were filled with dreams and ambition that education empowered me to achieve. Reaching over 5.5 crore people and helping keep 90 lakh girls in school to fulfill their dreams is extraordinary. Prioritising period education and protection is the key to ensuring more and more girls continue to stay in school. It was inspirational to see how, together, we can help shape the foundational years of our future generations.”
Eric Falt, Director and UNESCO Representative to Bhutan, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka, said,”Managing menstruation with safety, dignity and comfort is essential to ensure gender equality, good health, quality education, and related human rights. In order to achieve these goals, it is imperative that all children and young people have access to age-appropriate comprehensive puberty education and a supportive environment at home and in schools.
UNESCO and Whisper are committed to work with the education sector, civil society and other partners to ensure that everyone has access to puberty education and menstrual hygiene management resources. I am positive that the impact we have seen through the #KeepGirlsInSchool movement will only grow multifold in our partnership with Whisper.”
Why the first two days of your periods are a mess. (Photo Courtesy: Pixabay)
Chetna Soni, Category Leader — Feminine Care, P&G Indian sub-continent, on the success of the campaign said,”Economic emancipation of women starts with education. Whisper, being a force for female good, is committed to ensuring that all girls can confidently go to school even during their periods and continue pursuing their dreams. #KeepGirlsInSchool started as a campaign to drive awareness about the issue of girls dropping out of school at puberty, and stop girls from giving up on a life full of possibilities that education can unlock for them.
It is heart-warming to see that it has transformed into a national movement for girl child education and empowerment. We are a brand that puts purpose at the heart of its functioning and that has resonated with the citizens of India. Our aim is to enable this change at a grassroot level, which is why we are working with UNESCO to integrate our period education module as part of school curriculum. We need to work together to change what periods represent to many — from shame to strength and pride; and we are proud to be leading this change.”
