Do girls with Down syndrome have normal menstrual periods?
A. Menstruation for girls with Down syndrome is no different than for their peers in the general population. On the average, they begin menstruating at age 12 1/2, but may begin as early as age 10 or as late as age 14. Most girls with Down syndrome have regular cycles with the same minor irregularities typical of their peer group. Alterations in a previously regular cycle may be due to the normal process of aging, or may be a sign of emerging hyperthyroidism. Ongoing irregularity of menstrual cycle warrants medical examination. Q. If a woman with Down syndrome becomes pregnant, will the baby have Down syndrome? A. At least half of all women with Down syndrome do ovulate and are fertile. Between 35 and 50 percent of children born to mothers with Down syndrome will have trisomy 21 or other developmental disabilities. Q. When is the onset of menopause for women with Down syndrome? A. Menopause may occur at a wide range of ages. Typically it takes place after age 40. Q. Are males with Down
