4th January 2011

Early menstruation linked to increased risk of depressive symptoms

Source: Royal College of Psychiatrists – January 2011

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.