Early Menarche Linked to Higher Cardiovascular Risk in Women
A new study published in Scientific Reports has found that age at menarche (AAM) can be an important indicator of the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study conducted in Iran analyzed the association between AAM and several CVD risk factors in women aged 35–65 years and assessed their anthropometric, demographic, and biochemical profiles as well as the levels of depression and anxiety. The study was conducted by Niloofar S. and colleagues.
This cross-sectional study used data from the Mashhad cohort study, Mashhad, Iran. Participants self-reported their AAM. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, BMI, WC, HC, and WTR were taken. Biochemical markers were also collected. The Persian versions of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to assess psychological factors like depression and anxiety. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to determine the relationship between AAM and CVD risk factors.
Key Findings
Women who started their menstruation at ≤11 years had higher weight (p< 0.001), BMI (p< 0.001), HC (p<0.001), and WTR (p<0.001) as compared to the women with AAM ≥15 years.
The odds of having BMI >28.7 kg/m², WC >96 cm, HC >105 cm, and WTR >61.96 among women who experienced their first menstruation at ≤11 years was greater than among women who first menstruated at 13 years.
Women with menarche at 12 years had higher odds of diabetes mellitus and HC >105 cm than those with menarche at 13 years.
University-educated and employed women were more likely to have menarche at ≥15 years (p< 0.001 and p=0.012, respectively).
Women with AAM ≥15 years had a lower likelihood of depression (BDI score >12) compared to those with earlier menarche.
Girls who attained menarche at the age of 14 had greater odds in relation to both height >155 cm and demi-span >74 cm compared with those attaining menarche at 13 years.
Researchers concluded that early menarche is associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity, diabetes, and metabolic imbalances. Identifying women with early menarche can help implement preventive strategies to reduce long-term health risks. Future research should explore potential genetic and environmental influences on menarche timing and cardiovascular health outcomes.
Reference:
Shabani, N., Saffar Soflaei, S., Bavafa-Valenlia, K. et al. The association between age at menarche (AAM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in the MASHAD cohort study. Sci Rep 15, 3518 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-83763-z
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