A study published by the Elementary Rules association indicates that 80% of young girls have their periods before the age of 13. A precocity which can be explained, according to Julia Maruani, by the impact of environmental factors.
“It is impossible to deny the impact of endocrine disruptors,” judge Wednesday October 11 on franceinfo Julia Maruani, medical gynecologist and secretary general of the National Federation of Colleges of Medical Gynecology (FNCGM), after the publication of a study by the Règles Elémentaires association. According to their survey, 80% of young girls have their first period before the age of 13 and even 20% from primary school. “We have seen the age of puberty decline over the past two centuries,” explains the gynecologist, who recognizes that it is “psychologically difficult” for young girls. The doctor also points to a “problem of access to correct toilets” in educational establishments.
franceinfo: 20% of young girls have their first period in primary school, how can we explain this?
Julia Maruani: We have actually seen the age of puberty decline over the last two centuries.
“The first periods arrived on average around 16 years of age in 1750, then around 14 years of age in the 1900s. Nutritional factors explained this development.”
Julia Maruani, gynecologistat franceinfo
Since the end of the 20th century, the age of first periods has remained more or less stable: 80 to 90% of girls have them between 11 and 14 years old. But it is true that endocrinologists and gynecologists have the impression of seeing more and more early signs of puberty, that is to say the first development of the breasts or the appearance of hair. It is impossible to deny the impact of environmental factors and in particular endocrine disruptors. It’s difficult to prove it but we know that there are thousands of products that can impact puberty.
What do these young girls and their parents tell you?
The first sign parents talk about is the onset of puberty on the chest. Before the age of 8, breast development in a little girl is not normal and should lead to a consultation. Often there is no real medical cause but we can also offer treatment to slow down pubertal development. On the other hand, from the age of 8 or 9, we will not offer treatment. But these will be young girls who will have their periods early. It is psychologically difficult for these little girls to have their periods or to see their breasts grow or hair grow. There is a gap between these signs of puberty and still playing with dolls.
Is it also complicated in the school setting?
The onset of periods in primary school is often complicated. But even afterwards, we often have a problem accessing correct, isolated toilets. Young girls are afraid of trying, they are ashamed of this rapid puberty development. It is also a huge financial problem, the purchase of hygienic protection.
“National Education should talk about it, but parents must also be involved. Many young girls are not aware of what will happen to them.”
Julia Maruani, gynecologistat franceinfo
At the age of 10-11, it is essential that little girls have information about periods and hygienic protection, from a cousin, a sister or by seeing the mother’s periodic protection. Talk about it and be able to put some in your bag.