Girls who begin menstruating at an early age are at greater risk of
depressive symptoms in adolescence, according to
new
research published in the January issue of the
British
Journal of Psychiatry.
Researchers from the University of Bristol and
the University of Cambridge examined the link between timing of
first period and depressive symptoms in a sample of 2,184 girls
taking part in a long-term study known as the Avon Longitudinal
Study of Parents and Children.
The researchers used a structural equation
model to examine the association between onset of menstruation and
depressive symptoms at ages 10.5, 13 and 14 years.
The mean age at which the girls in the study
group started menstruating was 12 years and 6 months. They
found that girls who started their periods early (before the age of
11.5 years) had the highest levels of depressive symptoms at ages
13 and 14. Girls who started their periods later (after the age of
13.5 years) had the lowest levels of depressive symptoms.
Lead researcher Dr Carol Joinson said: “Our
study found that girls who mature early are more vulnerable to
developing depressive symptoms by the time they reach their
mid-teens. This suggests that later maturation may be protective
against psychological distress.
“The transition into puberty is a critical
developmental period, associated with many biological, cognitive
and social changes. These can include increased conflict with
parents, the development of romantic relationships, changes in body
image and fluctuating hormone levels. These changes may have a more
negative impact on girls who mature at an early age than those who
mature later. Early maturing girls may feel isolated, and faced
with demands which they are not emotionally prepared for.”
Dr Joinson concluded: “If girls who reach
puberty early are at greater risk of psychological problems in
adolescence, it may be possible to help them with school- and
family-based programmes aimed at early intervention and
prevention.”
However, it is still unclear from this study
whether early menstruation is associated with persistent adverse
consequences for emotional development beyond mid-adolescence. The
researchers point out it is possible that girls who mature later
may eventually experience similar levels of psychological distress
to those who mature earlier, after sufficient time has
unfolded.
The research was funded by the Economic and Social Research
Council.