Early Menarche and the Development of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Adolescent Girls The Fels Longitudinal Study

Early menarche (EM), in the lowest quartile of menarcheal age, is associated with cardiovascular disease-related outcomes among which are proximal and long-term hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. An increased body mass index (BMI) and increased adiposity in adolescence also have been described. This study examined the influence of menarcheal age on changes in blood insulin and glucose levels, lipid levels, and blood pressure during adolescence. Subjects were 391 females 8 to 21 years of age who participated in the Fels Longitudinal Study. Early menarche occurred at 11.9 years or less; average menarche between the 25th and 75th percentiles at ages 11.9 to 13.2 years; and late menarche at above the 75th percentile or older than 13.2 years. Nearly one fourth of participants, 23%, had EM; 42% had average menarche; and 35% had late menarche.