Age of menarche in girls of Uttarakhand.

ABSTRACT

Menarche is a physiological and developmental phenomenon significant in the life of a female. It occurs between the ages of 10 to 16 years. Study suggests that menarche tends to appear earlier in life as the social, nutritional and economic condition of society improves. There is paucity of information about menarchial age in hilly regions of Uttarakhand. Therefore, this research was undertaken to determine age of menarche and its variation with geographical, seasonal and nutritional status. This study was carried out through a questionnaire in 450 girl students between age 17-26 years at Uttarakhand Forest Hospital Trust, Medical College, Haldwani, India. The mean age of onset of menarche was 13.6 (+ 1.1) years. The monthly occurrence of menarche had peaks in May-June. The mean menarchial age of girls belonging to plain area was 13.18+ 1.31 years, which showed significantly earlier onset as compared to girls from hilly area (14.21 + 1.46 years). In hilly areas girls having vegetarian diet had significantly higher age of menarche (14.60 + 1.33 years), compared to girls having non-vegetarian diet (14.09 + 1.56 years). Therefore altitude, season and nutritional status have bearing on the mean menarchial age in girls of Uttarakhand.