Remember when most girls didn’t get their first period until middle school? These days, it’s not uncommon to hear stories of girls starting as early as 8 or 9 years old.
If that sounds younger than you remember you’re right. Studies show that girls today are, on average, getting their first period nearly a year earlier than their moms did. And for many parents, that’s both surprising and a little overwhelming.
So… what’s going on? And more importantly, how can we help our girls feel safe, confident, and prepared for this new reality?
Let’s break it down.
The Science Says: Yes, It’s Happening
Recent studies from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) confirm that girls are getting their first period earlier than ever before, dropping from around 12.5 years to just under 12 in a few generations.
This isn’t just a one-off finding researchers across the globe have noticed the same pattern. And while every child’s body is unique, there are some common threads scientists are watching closely.
Why it Might BeIt Happening
There’s no single reason but several factors seem to be working together:
Nutrition & Body Changes – Today’s kids are growing up in a world with more access to high calorie, processed foods, which can influence hormones tied to puberty.
Everyday Chemicals – Things like plastics, fragrances, and even some beauty products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can affect developing bodies.
Stress & Lifestyle – Higher stress levels, less outdoor time, and busy modern routines may also play a role.
Urban Living – Pollution, sleep disruption, and exposure to artificial light are being studied as potential factors too.
It’s a complex mix and while researchers are still connecting the dots, one thing’s clear: our girls are starting earlier, and they need our support earlier, too.
What This Means for Moms
If your daughter starts her period at 9 or 10, it doesn’t mean something’s wrong but it does mean we, as parents, need to start the conversation sooner.
Periods can feel scary for young girls who aren’t prepared. That’s why it’s so important to talk openly, answer questions honestly, and make sure they have products that feel safe, comfortable, and age-appropriate.
Because let’s be real tampons can feel intimidating, and disposable pads can be uncomfortable (and let’s not even talk about the waste).
That’s where period underwear steps in soft, leakproof, and designed to make this new stage of life a little less awkward and a lot more empowering.
Why This Matters for the Future
Earlier periods mean more years of period management and that means more waste if we’re relying on single-use pads and tampons.
Reusable solutions like Cheeki not only help girls feel confident and comfortable, they also help build eco-friendly habits early on.
It’s a small shift with a big impact for their health, their comfort, and the planet they’ll grow up on.
The world is changing and so are our girls. As moms, we can’t stop puberty (wouldn’t that be nice?), but we can make it kinder, easier, and safer.
Let’s give our daughters the tools, conversations, and confidence they need to grow up feeling strong, supported, and proud of who they are periods and all. 💕
Pro Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, try introducing your daughter to period underwear during her first cycles. They’re easy to use, eco-friendly, and feel just like regular undies but with no stress, no leaks, no surprises.
