Low Vitamin D Linked to Early Menstruation

By Dr. Mercola

In the 19th century the onset of menstruation occurred around the age of 15. Now the average age of the first period, or menarche, is around 12. The time during and before puberty is one of rapid development and change, which is why even months matter when it comes to first menstruation. Early puberty can set the stage for emotional and behavioral problems, and there is evidence that suggests these girls are also at increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and other cardiometabolic diseases, as well as cancer.

So this is a concerning trend that could have major public health implications in coming generations if it continues.
Scientists have brought forth a number of potential explanations for the rising rates of early puberty — hormones and pesticides in food, chemicals in plastic and personal care products, obesity — but one that deserves special attention, especially if you have a young daughter right now, is vitamin D.

Is Vitamin D Deficiency the Missing Link in Early Puberty?

It has been suggested that girls who live closer to the equator start puberty at a later age than girls who live in Northern regions. Since this indicates a potential connection with sun exposure, researchers decided to investigate whether vitamin D was, in fact, related.

Upon measuring vitamin D levels in 242 girls aged 5-12, researchers from the University of Michigan School of Public Health found that those who were deficient were twice as likely to start menstruation during the study period as those with higher levels.
Specifically, among the vitamin-D-deficient girls, 57 percent started their period during the study, compared to 23 percent with adequate vitamin D. However, researchers defined adequate vitamin D as ≥30 ng/mL, which is actually still a deficiency state! For optimal health, vitamin D levels should be a minimum of 50 ng/mL, which means the number of vitamin-D-deficient girls with early puberty was probably much higher than the study reported.

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