Too Much Estrogen, Early Periods Linked to Diabetes Risk

Over the last century, girls have been getting periods at a younger age, and according to a new study, getting periods before the age of 13 is linked to a heightened risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

The study included more than 17,000 women between 20 and 65 years old who were put into different categories according to when they first got their period.

About 10 percent had Type 2 diabetes, and about 11 percent had some type of cardiovascular disease.

According to Ashanti Woods, M.D., FAAP, a specialist in General Pediatrics at Mercy Family Care Physicians in Baltimore, this may all be linked to estrogen.

"Estrogen at the right amount is actually cardio-protective, it's a good thing. But too much estrogen - like too much of anything - can lead to some bad things," Dr. Woods said. "We do think that the higher your estrogen level, the earlier your period is likely to start. So, perhaps there's a link between too much estrogen for too long leading to diabetes, leading to some of those cardiovascular complications."

Dr. Woods added that it is important for parents to help children eat a healthy diet and stay active.

View Mercy pediatrician Dr. Ashanti Woods' interview regarding early menstruation and diabetes risk.