Recalled menarche in relation to infertility and adult weight and height.

BACKGROUND

Possible relationships between menarche and fertility and fecundity later in life have not been fully clarified.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was made in a random sample of 3743 women, aged 15-44 years, in the country of Copenhagen; 78% responded. Telephone interviews were made with a sample of the non-respondents.

RESULTS

Associations were observed between early menarche and increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (odds ratio 2.4 (1.4-4.1)) and spontaneous abortion (OR 3.1 (1.6-5.7)) later in life. On the other hand, no association was found with irregular bleedings or amenorrhoea; nor was a significant relationship established with fertility or fecundity. Late menarche was associated with underweight (OR 3.1 (1.4-6.9)), and early menarche with excess weight (OR 5.0 (2.4-10.6)). A significant positive correlation (R = 0.17) was found between menarcheal age and final body height.

CONCLUSIONS

Menarche was not associated with fertility or fecundity. Early menarche was associated with pelvic inflammatory disease and spontaneous abortion. Menarche showed relationships with weight and height.