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Published on: September 20, 2018
[Continuously diminishing menarcheal age in Denmark]
A W Olesen1, B Jeune, J L Boldsen
1Syddansk Universitet, Institut for Sundhedstjenesteforskning, Epidemiologi.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|November 1, 2001
Summary
Danish women born between 1964-1973 experienced a declining mean age at menarche. However, certain groups, like textile workers, show a delayed menarcheal age, suggesting future declines are likely.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive health
- Human biology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Tracking secular trends in reproductive milestones is crucial for understanding population health.
- Age at menarche (first menstruation) is a key indicator of female reproductive development.
- Previous trends in North European countries indicated a plateau in declining menarcheal ages.
Purpose:
- To analyze the trends in age at menarche among Danish women over recent decades.
- To identify specific population subgroups experiencing variations in menarcheal age.
- To assess the current trajectory of age at menarche in Denmark.
Summary:
- This study analyzed retrospective data from 42,784 Danish women born between 1923 and 1973.
- A renewed decline in mean age at menarche was observed in women born 1964-1973.
- Textile workers born 1939-1968 exhibited a one-year delay in mean menarcheal age compared to the general trend.
Impact:
- Findings suggest that age at menarche is still delayed in specific Danish populations.
- The observed trend indicates a potential for further decreases in mean menarcheal age in the future.
- This research contributes to understanding reproductive health trends and potential influencing factors in Denmark.
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