The decreasing age of menarche in Turkey: global warming, socioeconomic development, and environmental factors

The age at menarche varies over time in line with the development level of society. The aim of the present study was to assess and compare secular trends of the age of menarche in Ankara, Turkey.

One thousand thirty-five patients who presented for regular gynecological control were examined retrospectively between 2011 and 2015. The patients were asked when they had experienced their first period. The data were evaluated in 10-year periods (<1964, 1965-1974, 1975-1984, and 1985-2000). The mean age at menarche presents trends that have changed over the years.

The mean age at menarche decreased from 13.29 years in < 1964 to 13.24 years in 1965-1974, 13.20 years in 1975-1984, and 13.10 years in 1985-2000. When the < 1964 and 1985-2000 groups were compared, there was a two-fold increase in young age (≤ 11 years) at menarche.

There is a continuing secular trend (a two-fold increase) in earlier age at menarche (i.e., ≤ 11 years). The effects of global warming and rising socioeconomic levels in Turkey may be implicated in the increase in earlier age at menarche.