Age at menarche linked to cardiometabolic and reproductive health risks

Age at menarche linked to cardiometabolic and reproductive health risks | Image Credit: © REDPIXEL - © REDPIXEL - stock.adobe.com.

Long-term health risks such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and reproductive health issues may be indicated by a woman’s age at her first period, according to a recent study presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco, California.¹

Health risks associated with early and late menarche

Health risks were identified in women with both early and late age at first period, defined as early and late menarche, respectively. The odds of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart complications, and reproductive issues such as preeclampsia later in life were more common in those experiencing their first period while aged under 10 years.¹

In comparison, those experiencing their first period when aged over 15 years had reduced obesity risk later in life. However, the odds of menstrual irregularities and certain heart conditions were increased in this population.¹

Awareness and proactive health monitoring

“Most women can remember when they had their first period, but they might not realize that it could signal future health risks,” said Flávia Rezende Tinano, PhD, lead study author from the University of Sao Paulo. “Understanding these links can help women and their doctors be more proactive about preventing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.”¹

According to Tinano, the study is the largest of its kind in a developing country, having been conducted in Brazil. This provides new data on a topic that has mostly been researched in developed countries.¹

The study included 7623 women aged 35 to 74 years enrolled in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health. Early menarche in these patients was defined as first period under 10 years, typical menarche aged 10 to 15 years, and late menarche aged over 15 years. Their health was determined through interviews, lab tests, ultrasound measurements, and physical measurements.¹

Increased cardiometabolic and reproductive risks

Results indicated a potential for age at menarche to help doctors determine future health risks in patients. In patients with early age at menarche, odds ratio (ORs) of 2.18, 1.38, 1.85, 1.58, and 1.47 were reported for obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and elevated uric acid, respectively.²

This population also had increased risks of preeclampsia, self-reported angina, myocardial infarction, and heart failure, with ORs of 1.71, 1.76, 2.33, and 2.50, respectively. In univariate analyses, central obesity was also more common in patients with an early age at menarche.²

Alongside obesity, late age at menarche was also linked to increased odds of oligomenorrhea and myocardial revascularization, with ORs of 1.47 and 3.20, respectively, in the univariable analysis vs 1.62 and 2.40, respectively, in the multivariable analysis. However, risks of type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, angina, and heart failure were only significant in univariable analyses.²

A marker for tailored prevention strategies

Overall, the data highlighted age at menarche as a vital marker of cardiometabolic and reproductive health. Investigators concluded there is a need for tailored prevention strategies, especially in underrepresented populations.²

“This information could guide more personalized screening and prevention efforts,” said Tinano.¹ It also emphasizes the importance of early health education for young girls and women, especially in developing countries.”

References

1. Age at woman’s first period can offer clues about long-term health risks. The Endocrine Society. July 13, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1090295?
2. Tiano FR, Roza Machado IF, Besenor IM, Lotufo PA, Latronico AC, Gomes LG. Early and late age at menarche and their distinct cardiometabolic and reproductive outcomes: The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health. Presented at: ENDO 2025. July 12-15, 2025. San Francisco, California.