Association between Nutritional Status and Age at Menarche

Abstract

Background: The menarche age is often considered for various reasons. It is one of the major indices of the female fertility which includes the period up to the menopause. More critically, menarche marks the onset of ovarian activity associated with reproduction, and affects breast cancer risk. Some earlier studies reported that subjects who had menarche before 13 years of age were at a significantly higher risk of cancer cervix. Nutrition has an important bearing on age at menarche. Menarche is attained earlier by well nourished adolescents. This study aimed to assess the relationship between menarche age and body mass index. Subjects and Method:This was a cross sectional study conducted at Ki Hajar Dewantara Foundation Junior High School, Kota Pinang, Labuhanbatu Selatan, North Sumatera, in December 2017. A sample of 58 school girls attending the Junior High School were selected for this study. The dependent variable was menarche age. The independent variable was body mass index (BMI). Body weight was measured by a scale. Body height was measured by micro toise. Other variables were measured by questionnaire. The data were analyzed by a simple logistic regression. Results: BMI ≥25 was associated with an earlier menarche age (OR= 0.71; 95%CI= 0.20 to 0.85; p= 0.046). Conclusion: BMI ≥ 25 is associated with an earlier menarche age. Keywords: menarche age, body mass index