Menarche and the Related Problems?

What is Menarche and the Related Problems?

Menarche is defined as the first menstrual period in a female adolescent. It refers to the age of onset of period/menstruation to a young girl. It is a subset of puberty and last to come – however mostly used synonymously. Normal age of menarche is 11-14 years, however it can be delayed or precocious.

Precocious Menarche

• Below the age of 8 or 9 years
• Causes

  – Mostly hormonal – not worrisome at all
  – Help you child and explains everything in details
  – Encourage her to play group games and loose weight
  – Give her good diet – rich in Calcium, Protein and Vitaming D3

• Rare Causes – some tumor in brain, ovary or adrenal gland – doctor will come to know after examination and may suggest following tests
  – Blood test
  – GNRH Test, Thyroid, Estrogen and progesterone level
  – Xray of hand and wrist to know the bone-age of the child
  – USG abdomen & pelvis
  – MRI

• All test are safe for the child
• Treatments – mostly general
• Try to maintain her self-confidence
• May look taller than other children of their age group but at the age of 15 years their height is less than those of comparable age
• Most important goal is to enable child to grow to a normal height
• May give injection Lupron Depot till normal age of puberty ( 11-12 years) and then stop
  
  

Delayed Menarche