Comparison of menarche age between two generations of women (Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study)

Background: The menarcheal age can be considered as an indicator of puberty. There is little information on the age of menarche among Tehranian daughters to compare with their mothers. Objective: This study was aimed at comparing the age of menarche in two generations. Methods: In this cross-sectional study 812 subjects (406 daughters and 406 mothers) out of 15005 participants in the longitudinal Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study were investigated. Demographic information and the age of menarche were recorded using a questionnaire. A minimum of 25-year period was considered as one generation. Distribution of the menarcheal age and the linear regression were performed for analytical studies. Findings: The mean age of menarche in daughters and their mothers were 13.2±1.4 and 13.6±1.5 years, respectively. There was significant correlation between mothers and daughters menarcheal ages (r=0.25, p<0.002). 25th, 50th and 75th percentile for menarcheal age in daughters and their mothers were 12.2, 13.1, 14/1 and 12/7, 13.5, 14.5 years respectively. Minimum and maximum ages of menarche were the same (10 and 18 years) in two groups. Conclusion: In agreement with other studies, a reduction in the average of menarcheal age was found over a 25-year period (one generation) .The health system must therefore focus on educational programming and also encouraging adolescent girls for changes in their present lifestyles