The first period is thought to predict the length of a woman's life

When compared to other countries in Asia such as Japan and China, the life expectancy in Indonesia is still low, at 70 years. Without realizing it, it turns out that there is one surprising factor that can predict the life expectancy of a person, especially women. This factor is the first menstruation (menarche). Yes, the first period is able to predict how long you will live. How come, huh? Check out the explanation below!

When do girls, on average, have their first period?

Girls generally get their first period at the age of 10-15 years. Average age for first menstruation was 12 years. However, this average age may vary in each environment. Girls may also menstruate before the age of 10 years or only menstruate after passing the age of 15 years.

A person's first period can be determined by many factors. Some of them are genetic and environmental factors. So, everyone with a different genetic makeup and environment will have their first period at a different age.

Your first period can predict how long you will live

A 2016 study in the scientific journal Menopause found that women who had their first period at a mature age were more likely to live to the age of 90.

In this study it was also stated that women who reached menopause at an older age also tended to live longer than those who had menopause at a relatively young age. Indeed, a number of studies have shown that the sooner you get your first period, the sooner you will experience menopause.

What is the relationship between the first period and the length of a person's life?

The findings of this discovery are certainly a new chapter in understanding women's health as a whole. The reason is, in the 2016 study, it was explained that those who had their first period at the age of over 12 years tended to be healthier and away from the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and coronary heart disease.

According to another study in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention in 2007, women who had their first period before the age of 14 had a smaller life expectancy when attacked by cancer. Meanwhile, women who had their first period when they were 14 years old and over tended to have a life expectancy of up to 51 percent higher.

Indeed, there is no definite explanation from experts why people who experience their first menstruation at an early age tend to be more susceptible to disease or experience death earlier. However, currently the most powerful reason that can answer this question is that women who menstruate at an early age, their bodies age faster. Because at a young age they are pubescent, their health condition deteriorates more quickly so they are susceptible to disease.

What does this mean for people who menstruate at an early age?

If you are among those who menstruate at a young age, don't worry first. There are many ways to prevent premature aging and various chronic diseases. Some of them pay attention to nutrition when eating, exercise regularly, and check their health if there are certain complaints. Do not let you detect the disease too late. The sooner you detect it, the better your chances of recovering from it.