Explore the relationship between early menarche and breast cancer risks with Meri Sehat. Gain insights for informed health decisions.

Early Menarche And Breast Cancer

The age at which a girl starts her period, also known as menarche.

Introduction

Let&#39;s face it, most people don&#39;t like talking about periods. But the fact is the age at which a girl starts her period, also known as menarche, has an impact on her risk of developing <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/types-of-breast-cancer">breast cancer</a> later in life, making it all the more important to start a healthy discussion around periods. 
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The first menstrual period typically happens between the ages of 10 and 16, with an average age of 12.4 years<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. It is linked to the development of secondary sexual characteristics and marks the onset of reproductive abilities in girls. 

Numerous factors, such as socioeconomic conditions, genetics, general health, nutritional status, exercise, seasonality, and family size, are believed to determine the age at which menarche occurs. 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, accounting for approximately 12.5% of all new cancer cases globally<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. While many factors contribute to the development of breast cancer, early menarche has been identified as a potential risk factor. 
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Understanding the Menarche-Breast Cancer Connection

Symptoms before the first period<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>:

<ul>
	<li>Cramping in the belly, back, or legs</li>
	<li>Bloating </li>
	<li>Tender or sore breasts</li>
	<li>Pimple or acne flare-up</li>
	<li>Mood swings</li>
	<li>Fatigue or tiredness 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The girl may notice brown or red blood on her underwear during the first period. It&rsquo;s only a few spots for some girls while others go from light bleeding to heavy to light again. 
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Menarche is the first menstrual cycle that typically starts during puberty, usually around age 12 but can vary by several years. Early menarche refers to menstruation that starts before the age of 12. Factors that can contribute to early menarche include:

<ul>
	<li>Increased subcutaneous fat</li>
	<li>High BMI</li>
	<li>Consuming high concentrations of fructose</li>
	<li>Geographic location</li>
	<li>Ethnicity</li>
	<li>Socioeconomic status</li>
	<li>Poverty level</li>
	<li>Family structure</li>
	<li>Living arrangements</li>
	<li>Nutrition 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Irregular menstrual cycles are common among most girls after their first period. Additionally, the shorter interval between menarche (first period) and the establishment of regular menstrual cycles can contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer. 
&nbsp;

Early menarche is linked to several health issues later in life, such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, depression, and eating disorders. Research shows that early menarche is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. 

According to a study, girls who reach menarche before 12 have a 23% higher risk of developing breast cancer as compared to those who reach it at 15 or afterwards<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>. 

One theory is that the risk is due to prolonged exposure to cyclic hormonal stimulation of breast tissue. Additionally, there is more risk from excessive exposure to exogenous estrogen and progesterone than estrogen alone. 

However, there are some limitations and biases within these studies, e.g. small sample sizes, self-reported data, and retrospective data; even demographic limitations, such as a study with a sample group living in a more rural, lower-income area than the control group<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>. 
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Other risk factors for breast cancer, in addition to early menarche, include:

<ol>
	<li>Age: The risk of breast cancer increases as women get older, with most cases occurring over 50.</li>
	<li>Gender: Women are more likely to develop breast cancer than men.</li>
	<li>Family History: Women are at an increased risk if their first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) has had breast cancer.</li>
	<li>Genetic Mutations: Some inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase the risk of breast cancer.</li>
	<li>Medical History: Breast cancer can recur in the same breast or the other one in women with a history of the condition.</li>
	<li>Dense Breast Tissue: Women with dense breast tissue may have a higher risk of breast cancer.</li>
	<li>Radiation Exposure: Women who have had radiation therapy to the chest area for another condition (such as Hodgkin&#39;s disease) are at an increased risk.</li>
	<li>Hormone Therapy: Women who have taken hormone therapy for an extended period, such as estrogen and progesterone for menopausal symptoms, may have an increased risk.</li>
	<li>Alcohol Consumption: Consuming alcohol also increases the risk of breast cancer. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

Note: You won&rsquo;t necessarily develop breast cancer if you have one or more of these risk factors. However, it&#39;s important for you to be aware of your risk factors and to undergo regular screening for breast cancer. 
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While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, there are several steps that women can take to reduce their risk<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>:

<ul>
	<li>It&#39;s crucial to maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and a healthy diet since being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer, especially for postmenopausal women. </li>
	<li>Avoid alcohol. </li>
	<li>Women over 50 should undergo regular breast cancer screening, such as mammograms, to detect any abnormalities early on. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Conclusion

Early menarche is associated with a higher risk of several health issues later in life. The prolonged exposure to cyclic hormonal stimulation of breast tissue can result in the development of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. 

Even though more research is required to understand the relationship between early menarche and breast cancer, girls must be aware of the potential risks. 

Regular breast cancer screening and early detection are also essential for improving outcomes and survival rates. 
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Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>Early menarche refers to menstruation that starts before a girl turns 12. </li>
	<li>It is associated with a higher risk of several health issues later in life, including obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, depression, eating disorders, and breast cancer.</li>
	<li>One theory is that the risk is due to prolonged exposure to cyclic hormonal stimulation of breast tissue. </li>
	<li>Additionally, excessive exposure to exogenous estrogen and progesterone increases the risk of breast cancer more than estrogen alone.</li>
	<li>Regular breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms, are recommended for women over 50 or earlier for those with a family history of breast cancer.</li>
</ul>

[1] Breast Cancer. Breast cancer facts & statistics 2023.

[2] Lacroix AE, Gondal H, Shumway KR, et al. Physiology, Menarche. [Updated 2023 Mar 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.

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