Effects of early menarche on adolescent health: a single-centre retrospective study

Over the past century, the onset of puberty and age at menarche in girls has progressively occurred earlier. This study investigates the effects of early menarche on final height, psychological health, and gynaecological outcomes in adolescent girls.

This retrospective study included 58 female patients who were diagnosed with early menarche at ages 9.5 to 10.75 years. Target height (TH) was calculated based on medical records from their initial clinic visit. Data on final adult height (FAH), TH, weight, menstrual patterns, dysmenorrhoea, abnormal bleeding, the time taken for menstrual regularisation, diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and any psychiatric or psychological disorders requiring medication were collected via questionnaire. FAH was compared to TH.

The average TH of the patients was 159.27 ±4.52 cm, and FAH was 157.71 ±5.19 cm (p = 0.029). The TH standard deviation score (SDS) was 0.64 ±0.76, and the FAH SDS was 0.81 ±0.91 (p = 0.160). It was noted that 6 out of the 11 patients who experienced a reduction of more than -1 SDS in their height compared to the TH also had a chronic illness (especially asthma). Half of the girls reported experiencing dysmenorrhoea, and around 15% were diagnosed with PCOS. Psychological problems were found in 22.4% of the patients (n = 13), and 15.5% of the patients (n = 9) were receiving treatment for mental health conditions.

Early menarche was associated with a higher prevalence of PCOS and psychiatric/psychological disorders, with a more pronounced adverse impact on final height among those with chronic illnesses.