Both the first period and the menopause are known not to start at the same age for all women. This is perfectly normal and usually no cause for alarm. However, you may be wondering if there is a connection between your first period or the onset of the menopause and your life expectancy. The answer to this question is given below.
First period, menopause and life expectancy: the most important facts at a glance
- Girls usually have their first period between their 11th and 14th birthday.
- The first menstrual period, also called menarche, can come earlier or later.
- The menopause usually starts in women around their mid-40s, although variations are possible.
- According to one study, women seem to have a longer life expectancy if they were older than 12 when they had their menarche.
- According to the study results, there is also a correlation between age at onset of menopause and life expectancy.
- Period underwear is ideal as uncomplicated protection for young women and women going through the menopause.
When do women get their first period?
The first period is called menarche. It can occur at different times in young women. Usually, girls have their first period when they are between 11 and 14 years old. However, it can also happen that menarche comes a little earlier. For some women, however, the first menstrual period does not start until they are 16.
The typical signs that the first period is approaching include the growth of breasts and hair in the pubic area and under the armpits. Young women also have what is known as white discharge. This is an indication that the first follicles are maturing in the ovaries.
It usually takes about a year between the appearance of white discharge and menarche. White discharge is therefore not an indication that your period will start right away next week.
When do women go through the menopause?
The menopause is the time when a woman's body slowly changes. When a woman has her last menstrual period, it is called the menopause. Women usually enter the menopause around their mid-40s. As with menarche, however, variations in age are possible in both directions.
When a woman goes through the menopause, she may experience the following symptoms, for example:
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Bleeding between periods
- Sleep disturbances
- Hot flushes
- Vaginal dryness
- Bladder weakness
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, it may make sense to see a gynaecologist and talk to her about treatment options such as hormone replacement therapy.
Age at first period and life expectancy
The age at menarche seems to have an influence on life expectancy. At least that is what a study from the USA suggests.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California in San Diego, came to the conclusion that women who have their first period after their 12th birthday seem to have a longer life expectancy.
A total of about 16,000 women took part in the study. The duration of the study, which was published in 2016, spanned 21 years.¹
Connection between menopause and life expectancy
The researchers from the USA not only found out that the age at the first menstruation can have an effect on life expectancy. In addition, according to the study, there is also a connection between the onset of the menopause and life expectancy.
Women who enter their menopause at 50 or later tend to have a higher probability of reaching the age of 90. However, this is probably also related to the individual lifestyle of the respective woman.¹
Perfectly protected with Weekiss period underwear
Experience shows that the first menstrual periods can easily unsettle and stress young women. During the menopause, irregular menstrual periods can be a burden on everyday life that should not be underestimated.
In both cases, it is very important that women can fully rely on their menstrual products. One hygiene product to which this applies in particular is period knickers. Period underwear is characterised by its high wearing comfort and uncomplicated handling.
The reusable panties are available in different cuts and absorbencies. Thanks to their flexibility, period pants is also the ideal choice for young women who have just had their menarche or for women going through menopause.
Menarche, menopause and life expectancy: our conclusion
As you can see, there is some evidence that the timing of the first menstrual period and the onset of the menopause can have an impact on life expectancy in women.
Despite the probable connection, however, these are certainly not the only factors that play a role in this regard. Individual lifestyle, for example, is known to influence one's life expectancy both positively and negatively.
So don't go crazy if you had your period before your 12th birthday or entered the menopause quite early.
