Association of Age of Menarche with BMI, Lifestyle and Intergenerational Trends: A Cross-Sectional study

Age at menarche appears to have been declining in recent decades because of several plausible factors, one of which is the increasing rates of childhood obesity due to lifestyle changes. This study aims to find the relation between body mass index and lifestyle and intergenerational transmission of menarcheal timing.

This is a cross-sectional study that included 103 girls between the ages of 10 and 15 years. Data regarding weight, height, BMI, age at menarche, menstrual history, mothers age at menarche, diet, physical activity, and sleep were collected using questionnaires from the girls. The results were analyzed statistically.

The mean age of attaining menarche in girls was 11.77 years and the mean age of attaining menarche in their mothers was 13.29 years. This study shows a statistically significant decrease (p<0.001) in intergenerational transmission of menarcheal timing by 1.5 years in girls compared to their mothers. Those who had a higher BMI had an earlier menarche in comparison to those with a normal BMI, but the result was found statistically not significant (p >0.05).

A decline in the mean age at menarche was found among adolescent girls compared to their mothers showing decrease in intergenerational transmission of menarcheal timing. Factors associated with menarche highlight the need to focus on healthy lifestyle habits.