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Delayed age at menarche in chronic respiratory diseases
Rossella Gaudino1, Sarah Dal Ben1, Paolo Cavarzere1
1Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Pediatric Division, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Delayed age at menarche (AAM) is common in adolescents with asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF), indicating potential reproductive health impacts. Chronic respiratory diseases may influence female reproductive development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Pediatric pulmonology
- Adolescent health
Background:
- Age at menarche (AAM) is a key indicator of female physiological development.
- Delayed AAM is linked to increased risk of chronic illnesses.
- Understanding factors influencing AAM in chronic respiratory diseases is crucial for adolescent health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate predictive factors influencing AAM in adolescents diagnosed with chronic respiratory diseases.
- To compare AAM and menstrual regularity in adolescents with asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF) to healthy peers.
Main Methods:
- AAM was assessed in 1207 northern Italian females aged 11-24 (1062 healthy, 98 asthma, 47 CF) using recall and status quo methods.
- Anthropometric data, metabolic status, diagnosis parameters, and menstrual regularity were analyzed.
- Clinical data from chronic respiratory illness groups were compared with healthy adolescents.
Main Results:
- Mean AAM was 12.49 ± 1.2 years in healthy females, positively associated with maternal AAM and negatively with BMI.
- AAM was significantly higher in adolescents with asthma (12.79 ± 3.0 years) and CF (13.24 ± 1.44 years) compared to healthy controls.
- Menstrual irregularities were more prevalent in adolescents with asthma (43%) and CF (47%) compared to healthy peers (31%).
Conclusions:
- Adolescents with asthma and CF exhibit delayed AAM and increased menstrual abnormalities compared to healthy individuals.
- Chronic respiratory diseases, potentially via inflammation, appear to influence female reproductive function.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms linking chronic respiratory conditions to reproductive health outcomes.
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