[Effects of body weight changes on menarche and menstrual cycles in a group of adolescents]

In Italian girls (7-17 years-old) the effects of body weight on the onset of menarche and on menstruation were studied on the basis of measurements performed in 86 normally developed healthy girls (group 1), in 5 girls affected by precocious puberty (group 2), and in 9 girls with delayed puberty (group 3). Height and weight were evaluated at menarche in all groups, as well as 2 years later in groups 2 and 3. The results were transferred on the graphs proposed by Frisch for the American girls: at menarche 20% of group 1 girls were out of range; in group 2 all girls were in range; 33% of group 3 were below the 10th percentile. Two years later, all groups 2 and 3 girls but one were in range. These data do not confirm the role of body fat in determining the onset of the puberal process, while they support it in the maintenance of menses.