Girls who experience their first period at a young age are more likely to develop serious health problems later in life. According to studies, females who start menstruating before the age of 11 have a 23% higher risk of developing breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.
The trend of early puberty is alarming, with the average age of first period in the US now reaching 11 years and nine months. In fact, 16% of girls are getting their cycle before they turn 11. This early onset can lead to a range of emotional and physical issues, including painful periods, and the risk of becoming pregnant at an immature age.
To combat this issue, some mothers are turning to holistic approaches to delay their daughter’s first period. Rebecca Kinderman, a wellness and mental health writer, believes that adopting a healthy lifestyle is key to preventing early puberty. She recommends feeding her family whole foods without artificial ingredients, removing them from screens for extended periods, and encouraging outdoor play.
Dr. Aviva Sopher, a professor of pediatrics at Columbia University, agrees that dietary choices are crucial in the prevention of obesity and its associated health risks. “This is very reflective of the obesity epidemic we’re seeing,” she said.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/06/01/lifestyle/mom-tries-delaying-daughters-period-to-keep-her-healthy