📖 Menarche

In Detail

Menarche is triggered when the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis matures sufficiently to produce cyclic hormones. Early menarche (before 10) or late menarche (after 15) may warrant medical evaluation. First periods are often irregular as the body establishes hormonal patterns — it can take 2-3 years for cycles to become regular. Menarche age is influenced by genetics, nutrition, body weight, ethnicity, and environmental factors.