-Adolescence

Author: Han Shi, Shang Jinlong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: 8 Factors Affecting the Onset of Menarche
Menarche is a sign that a girl has entered puberty. In the past, it was considered a symbol of fertility, but this is not the case in reality, as most girls do not have a normal ovulation cycle or mature follicles at the time of menarche, and the majority are not fertile. The age of menarche varies among individuals, and in special cases, the difference is even greater. So, what factors affect the onset of menarche? First is nutrition. Sufficient nutrition directly nourishes the body, and this is especially true for girls. Some surveys have found that girls who are underweight, poorly developed, and show signs of malnutrition around the age of 5 have an average menarche age of 15-2 years, while girls who are taller and well-nourished have a significantly earlier menarche age, averaging 13.7 years. Height and weight do indeed affect the age of menarche. According to surveys, tall and heavier girls have an earlier menarche compared to shorter and lighter girls.
Next is illness. Illness directly affects health and endocrine function, causing delayed menarche in developing girls and even fertility issues. Among common illnesses, chronic wasting diseases are most prevalent, including tuberculosis, chronic hepatitis, diabetes, malabsorption syndrome, severe congenital heart disease, bronchial asthma, anorexia, and others, which have a particularly significant impact. Some diseases can also lead to early menarche, such as cerebral palsy, deafness, visual impairment, epilepsy, physical deformities, neurovascular defects, and abnormal conditions that occur before the 16th week of fetal development.
Other factors. Menarche is also related to social environment, race, family, and geographical conditions. Clinical observations show that if a mother has a late menarche, her daughter's menarche age will also be correspondingly delayed, and survey results align with this observation. Hot and cold weather have little impact on a girl's menarche age. In China, there is little difference between girls in the northeastern region and those in the south. Altitude may also affect menarche, with higher altitudes potentially causing delayed menarche. However, this difference cannot be ruled out due to lifestyle and nutritional factors. For example, Tibetan girls in Tibet have an average menarche age of 17.6 years, which is related to material living conditions and geographical environment.
9 Menstrual Hygiene
Although menstruation is a physiological phenomenon for women, if proper care and hygiene are not taken during this period, it can easily lead to illness and affect health. Therefore, attention should be paid to the following aspects during menstruation.
(1) Cleanliness and hygiene: During menstruation, the external genitalia should be washed every night. Showering is recommended, while tub baths, swimming, and water or field labor should be avoided. Undergarments and sanitary pads should be changed frequently, and sanitary pads should be soft and clean.
(2) Moderate rest and activity: Overexertion and strenuous activities like jumping rope should be avoided during menstruation. Excessive physical activity can deplete qi and easily cause blood to move, leading to prolonged menstruation or excessive menstrual flow.
(3) Emotional well-being: Traditional Chinese medicine believes that during menstruation, yin blood is relatively deficient, while liver qi is relatively excessive, making emotions more prone to fluctuations. If emotional distress occurs, liver qi may fail to regulate properly, affecting the normal onset of menstruation or worsening discomfort during menstruation. Therefore, it is important to maintain a positive mood during this period.
(4) Dietary regulation: During menstruation, spicy, pungent, and dry foods should be avoided, as they can easily deplete body fluids and cause blood to heat up, leading to excessive menstrual flow. Cold and icy foods like ice cream should also be consumed in moderation, as cold can congeal blood, obstruct its flow, and cause menstrual cramps.
(5) Suitable temperature and humidity: Women should also avoid getting caught in the rain or stepping into cold water during menstruation. In hot seasons,