Nongenetic determinants of age at menarche: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The acceleration of pubertal development is an important medical and social problem, as it may result in increased morbidity and mortality in later life. This systematic review summarizes relevant data about nongenetic factors, which contribute to age at menarche (AAM), and suggests those which may be the most important.

Methods

The available literature from 1980 till July 2013 was searched using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Finally, 154 papers were selected for the analysis.

Results

Environmental factors, which may affect AAM, vary in populations of different ethnicity. The prenatal, infancy, and early childhood periods are the most susceptible to these factors. Body weight, high animal protein intake, family stressors (e.g., single parenting), and

SUBMITTER: Yermachenko A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4094877 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature