All articles tagged with #menstruation
A 2023 study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle cause structural changes across the entire brain, including white matter and cortical thickness, suggesting a broader impact of menstruation on brain structure than previously understood.
The article discusses how menstrual cycles may influence depression, suggesting that hormonal changes during periods could worsen depressive symptoms in some women.
Girls in the U.S. are experiencing their first period earlier than in previous decades, with the average age now just under 12 years old. Factors contributing to this trend include obesity, stress, and exposure to environmental pollutants. Early menstruation is linked to long-term health risks such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and breast cancer. Parents are advised to promote healthy lifestyles and educate their children about puberty to mitigate these risks.
A new study reveals that girls in the U.S. are getting their first periods about six months earlier on average than in the 1950s and '60s, with more girls starting menstruation before age 9. Factors such as obesity, stress, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals are likely contributing to this trend. Early menstruation is linked to several health risks, including higher chances of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Parents are advised to prepare for earlier menstruation by promoting healthy diets, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep for their children.
A new study reveals that younger generations are starting menstruation earlier and taking longer to achieve regular cycles, potentially leading to health issues like cardiovascular disease and cancer. The trend is more pronounced in racial and ethnic minorities and those of lower socioeconomic status. Factors such as childhood obesity and environmental influences may contribute to these changes, highlighting the need for further research and early medical intervention.
A new study published in JAMA Network reveals that girls in the U.S. are getting their periods at younger ages and experiencing less regular menstrual cycles, with significant racial variations. The study, part of the Apple Women’s Health Study, found that the average age of menarche has decreased from 12.5 years for those born between 1950-1969 to 11.9 years for those born between 2000-2005. Researchers express concern over the increasing irregularity of menstrual cycles, which could indicate future health issues, and call for early intervention and counseling.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals that Black children of low socioeconomic status are starting their periods earlier and experiencing more irregular cycles compared to the average age. This trend, linked to factors like childhood obesity and potential chemical exposure, raises concerns about long-term health issues such as cardiovascular diseases and mental health problems. The study highlights the need for early counseling and individualized health care plans to address these disparities.
A new study indicates that girls in the U.S., especially girls of color, are starting their periods earlier and experiencing more irregular cycles compared to past generations. This trend, linked to factors like childhood obesity, environmental chemicals, and stress, poses long-term health risks. The findings highlight the need for early intervention and awareness to address these issues.
Researchers are beginning to explore the impact of menstruation on mental and physical health, with recent studies showing a link between menstrual cycles and worsening symptoms of mental illness, including suicidal thoughts. The stigma and silence surrounding menstruation have led to a lack of understanding and research in this area, but scientists are now studying menstrual fluid for potential early detection of conditions like uterine fibroids and cancer. Additionally, recent research has confirmed the effects of Covid-19 vaccines on menstrual cycles, highlighting the need for further investigation into this area of women's health.
A study of over 270,000 women suggests that the age at which a person starts and stops menstruating may impact their risk of developing dementia later in life. The findings indicate that those who start menstruating at a later age and go through menopause at an older age have a decreased risk of dementia. The study suggests that estrogen may play a protective role in the development of dementia, and that reproductive surgery, particularly when done at a younger age, may increase the risk of dementia. However, more research is needed to understand the direct impact of estrogen on brain aging and to determine how the risk of dementia in females can be reduced.
A study suggests that women who start menstruating early and experience later menopause may have a reduced risk of developing dementia later in life, possibly due to prolonged estrogen exposure. The research, conducted on over 270,000 female participants, found a 12% lower dementia risk for those who began menstruating at or before 12 years old and a 24% lower risk for those who experienced menopause in their 50s. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, the study adds to the evidence for hormone replacement therapy as a potential protective method against dementia.
Parents can help their tween feel prepared for their first period by creating a personalized first period kit containing essential supplies such as pads, liners, menstrual cups, tampons, and more. Additionally, including extras like period trackers, spare underwear, and pain relief items can make the experience more comfortable. There are pre-assembled kits available for purchase, but customization is key to making the kit as personal as possible. It's also recommended to introduce puberty and periods through books to help start the conversation.
A new study from University College London surveyed 1,114 women who regularly engage in cold water swims and found overall health improvements in those experiencing symptoms of menstruation and menopause, including reduced anxiety, mood swings, irritability, low mood, and hot flashes. Cold water swimming also encourages exercise in nature and community building, but experts warn of risks such as hypothermia. Other research suggests that cold exposure can trigger the release of anti-inflammatory markers, help manage blood sugar, and boost metabolic rate.
A 43-year-old woman in Mexico visited the emergency room with severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, only to discover that she had shed her entire uterine lining at once, a condition known as a decidual cast. This rare occurrence, typically seen in pregnant women or those using contraceptives that affect progesterone levels, is characterized by the sudden expulsion of the uterine lining. While the cause of this condition remains unclear, it is not considered dangerous. The case was published in the American Journal of Case Reports.
The history of tampon testing reveals a deep-rooted discomfort with menstrual blood in American culture. Early tampons were tested with blue-dyed saline solution instead of actual blood, leading to a lack of knowledge about the absorbency of period products. This lack of reliable testing has implications for diagnosing conditions like endometriosis and understanding bleeding disorders. The stigma surrounding menstruation has also hindered research and medical advancements in the field. The absence of standardized testing for menstrual products has resulted in underdiagnoses of heavy menstrual bleeding and a lack of understanding about what is considered normal or abnormal. However, a new generation of scholars is challenging the taboo and working to advance the study of menstruation and period blood.