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Predictive factors for early menarche in Taiwan
1Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, ROC.
Summary
Early menarche in Taiwanese girls is linked to higher height, weight, and body mass index, as well as a mother
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Increasing breast cancer rates in Taiwan necessitate understanding early menarche predictors.
- Early menarche is a potential risk factor for later health issues, including breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictive factors for early menarche onset in contemporary Taiwanese girls.
- To evaluate the association between lifestyle, familial, and anthropometric factors and menarche timing.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving 895 fourth-grade girls in Taipei City and County.
- Data collected via questionnaires and school records over one year (1993-1994).
- Logistic regression analysis used to assess predictive factors for menarche onset.
Main Results:
- Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and maternal history of early menarche were significant positive predictors.
- Energy expenditure during exercise showed a moderate association, while junk food intake did not.
- Poor family relationships and stressful life events demonstrated a moderate association with early menarche.
Conclusions:
- Anthropometric measures (height, weight, BMI) and maternal menarche timing are key predictors of early menarche.
- Childhood stress and exercise levels appear to have less prominent roles compared to physical and genetic factors.