GIRLS who start their periods at a young age could go on to have problems giving birth when they are older, research suggested today.
A study found that starting periods early increased the risk of delivering with forceps, ventouse or by Caesarean section.
Experts from the University of Cambridge analysed data from 3,739 first-time mothers.
They found that girls who started their periods before the age of 12 had a higher risk of needing intervention later in life than girls who started their periods when they were older.
Those who began menstruating when they were aged 15 or over were the least likely to need help during labour.
The authors of the latest study suggested the link between periods and labour could be because women who start their periods early are exposed to female hormones for a longer period of time.
