I have four daughters. The oldest is 16 years old and has developed breasts and started her period. However, my youngest, who is 10 years old, has a swelling in her left breast but has not started her period. Do you think she will be able to have children? Asemo
Dear Asemo,
A girl’s journey into womanhood (puberty) often begins with small swellings in one or both breasts, but it can also start with other signs such as the growth of pubic or underarm hair, acne, body odour, increased vaginal discharge, or the onset of menstruation. For most girls, puberty begins between the ages of eight and 13, typically about two years earlier than in boys, but the timing can vary even among sisters.
The appearance of menstrual periods marks the beginning of womanhood. However, in many communities across Uganda, this milestone is often wrongly equated with fertility, while delayed periods are mistakenly viewed as a sign of future infertility.
Although the onset of menstruation is largely influenced by genetics, studies show that over the past century, the average age has declined.
This trend is linked to environmental factors that expose girls to hormone-like substances (such as those found in plastics), body composition (in cases of obesity), and nutrition, among others.
Primary amenorrhea refers to the absence of a first menstrual period by age 15, or three years after breast development has begun. This is, therefore, unlikely to be the cause of the delay in some of your daughters starting their periods; they may simply not have reached that stage naturally yet.
Nonetheless, it is advisable to visit a doctor for proper evaluation and guidance.