Impact of Menarche Timing on Long-Term Health Risks Revealed

The timing of menarche, the first occurrence of menstruation, has been linked to various long-term health risks, according to a significant study presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, ENDO 2025, in San Francisco, California, on July 13, 2025. The research conducted by a team from the University of São Paulo in Brazil examined data from 7,623 women aged between 35 and 74, revealing that both early and late menarche can indicate a range of health outcomes impacting obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and reproductive health.

The study categorizes menarche into three groups: early (before age 10), typical (ages 10 to 15), and late (after age 15). Findings indicate that women who experience menarche before the age of 10 are at a heightened risk of developing obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues, as well as reproductive complications such as pre-eclampsia. Conversely, women who begin menstruation after age 15 tend to have a lower likelihood of obesity but may face increased risks of menstrual irregularities and specific heart conditions.

Dr. Flávia Rezende Tinano, a lead researcher and professor at the University of São Paulo, stated, "While early menarche increases the risk for multiple metabolic and heart problems, late menarche may protect against obesity but increase certain heart and menstrual issues. Our study underlines the importance of understanding these links to enhance proactive healthcare strategies for women."

This research, part of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brazil), marks one of the largest assessments of menarche's health implications in a developing country context, offering insights that have predominantly been studied in wealthier nations. It emphasizes the necessity for early health education for young girls, particularly in underrepresented populations. According to Dr. Tinano, recognizing the age at which a woman has her first period can enable doctors to identify individuals at a higher risk for certain diseases, guiding more tailored screening and prevention efforts.

The implications of this research extend beyond individual health, potentially influencing public health policies aimed at improving women’s health outcomes. The diverse health risks associated with menarche timing highlight the need for integrated healthcare approaches that consider early life indicators.

Additionally, the study aligns with previous research, such as the 2021 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, which found similar associations between early menarche and metabolic syndromes (Smith et al., 2021).

As the healthcare community further evaluates these findings, it may lead to enhanced educational programs and preventive measures targeting women's health from adolescence into adulthood, particularly in developing regions where such data remain scarce. Continued research in this field is essential to unravel the complexities of menarche timing and its long-term effects on women's health, paving the way for more effective health interventions globally.