Age Differences in Menarche based on Body Mass Index Categories and Anthropometric Measurements

Background: Menarche or first menstruation is one of girls’ characteristics definition as a sign of puberty. The age range of menarche from various populations is very diverse, but it can be said to be normal if menarche occurs at the age of 11-13 years. The emergence of menarche can be caused by variations in body size in the children.

Purpose: To find out the age variation of menarche based on body size by using measurements of Body Mass Index (BMI).

Method: The method used was descriptive quantitative from descriptive statistics and probate regression analysis. The variables measured were body weight, height, biceps fat thickness, triceps, sub scapula, abdomen, and also suprailiac.

Results: The results showed that there were 17 students (12.1%) who had menarche. The average age of menarche in this population with a 95% estimate from a probability of 0.5 was 12.3 years. Children who have had menarche tend to have more body size compared to children of their age who have not yet had menarche.

Conclusion: Children with obese BMI have earlier menarche age compared with normal and thin BMI.