Menarche

Menarche is the first menstrual cycle for female human beings. It is the central event of female puberty, as it signals the possibility of fertility. Girls experience menarche at different ages. The timing for menarche is influenced by female biology, in addition to genetic and environmental issues, particularly nutritional factors. The average age of menarche for the United States is near 12.5 years and 12.75 years for Canada.

Menarche Media

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  Secular trend in decrease in age of menarche in Western European and North American girls; Boaz (1999)

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  Sekihan, a traditional Japanese dish of sticky rice steamed with azuki beans, was sometimes served after menarche.