Correlation of age at menarche of mothers and daughters in Backa Palanka

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Age at menarche is genetically determined, but it is also influenced by body mass index, growth speed, physical activity, social status and other factors. The aim of this study was to identify the average age at menarche, to study acceleration phenomena and correlation of age at menarche of mothers and their daughters in Backa Palanka. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey involved 105 elementary school students (having menstrual cycles, specifically menarche) and 536 women, their mothers. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The average age at menarche in girls was 12,17 and in their mothers at 13.08. SD was 0.95 in daughters, and 1.32 in mothers. In 33% of girls the age at menarche was the same as in their mothers, in 46% it was one year earlier or later, in 15% there was a two year difference and in the rest there was a three year difference. Our survey results clearly show that there is an acceleration phenomena involved. CONCLUSION: Genetic factor has the greatest influence on the age at menarche. However, there is also an acceleration phenomena. It is necessary to broaden the survey regarding the effects of physical activity and body mass index on age at menarche.