Causative Factors of Early Menarche – A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: Over the past century, the average age of menarche has decreased. Female biology, as well as genetic, environmental, sedentary lifestyle, and especially dietary variables, all affect the timing of menarche. Adolescent girls menstruate on average at 12.5 years old. We have reviewed articles that discuss the various causes of early menarche in this study. Objective: Review the studies done on causative factors associated with the onset of early menarche. Methodology: Study design: Narrative Review of literature. Study setting: Google Scholar, Research Gate, PubMed Health. Criteria for Article collection: Articles from 2010-2021. (Relevant to keywords), Number of articles: 20 Articles, Study duration: 3 months. Result: On general observation socioeconomic status, BMI, nutrition and physical activity levels are among the major factors that cause early menarche. However, as almost all of the factors are heavily influenced by each other either directly or indirectly and therefore we cannot pick one or a few factors to be the most significant.