Some factors influencing the age at menarche of Sri Lankans

Abstract

The mean age at menarche (MAM) of girls attending two schools in the City of Colombo catering families of a high socio-economic-educational status has been compared with that of girls of lower socio-economic status in the city and in rural Kadawata. The MAM for the former group is 11.8 years, lower than values reported earlier for more mixed Sri Lankan populations. In all schools studied those who have reached menarche are significantly taller, heavier, have a higher BMI, mid-arm-circum ference and skinfold thickness than those who have not attained age. The man weight of girls who have reached menarche is above 40 kg in all age groups and BMI is above 17.0. The importance of the socio-economic, educational and nutritional status, from the time of birth to the adolescent spurt, to the early onset of menarche, is stressed.