Dr. Vasanthi Venkatesh is consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Shraddha Clinic, Bangalore

My ten-year-old daughter is healthy and active. She has attained puberty. Isn’t it too early? I got my first period at 13 years of age. My younger daughter is eight and I hope she doesn’t experience early puberty.

— Reena Varma, Bengaluru

Nowadays it is common for girl children to attain puberty at the age of eight to 11. Lifestyle changes and increased intake of chemical preservatives and flavourings in packaged foods, among other reasons, have disrupted normal body processes and prompted menarche at ages as young as
eight.

Another reason is milk intake of children. Most cattle are injected with hormones, which is in turn is passed on through milk to children. I recommend your daughter avoids milk consumption. Instead use other dairy products such as buttermilk, yogurt or paneer. Soya milk is also a good
substitute.

I suggest you counsel and advise your daughter on ways and means to cope with early menstruation. Otherwise, there is no cause for worry

My daughter’s friend is just seven years old, and has had her first menstrual period. I’m worried for my daughter. I have heard about precocious puberty. What are the problems associated with it?

— Lakshmi Srikar, Chennai

I suggest that you consult a gynaecologist who will refer you to an endocrinologist. An endocrinologist will decide if injections need to be administered to delay the onset of menstruation. This is necessary because the early onset of menstruation i.e, precocious puberty, could stunt physical growth. Once the body’s bones fuse, growth stops. Puberty needs to be delayed so that a child’s physical growth and development is not adversely affected. Psychologically also, children are not prepared to cope with menstruation at young age.

My daughter is experiencing irregular periods for the past four months. She attained puberty at age 11, i.e, a year ago. Otherwise, she is healthy and active, and has no other health problems. Should I consult a doctor?

— Ridhima Sarkar, Mumbai

It takes a while, sometimes more than a year, for girl children’s menstrual cycles to settle and normalise. Therefore there’s nothing to worry about. Treatment for irregular periods usually includes hormonal treatment which is not recommended or necessary for children. Unless your child is obese and is experiencing persistently irregular cycles, we don’t recommend medical intervention.

My daughter complains of pain during her monthly periods. It is severe on the first day, reducing gradually over the next five days. Should I consult a gynaecologist?

— Shilpi Ram, Faridabad

If she has been experiencing pain consistently since the onset of her first monthly menstrual cycle, there’s no cause for worry. If the pain is severe, she can take painkillers for relief. On the other hand, if she didn’t experience any pain during her early monthly periods, and the pain has started
suddenly, there could be a pathological issue which needs investigation.

Also Read: Help! My daughter’s menstrual cycle is irregular