Effects of early age of menarche on the health of Indian middle-aged women: A survey study

Abstract

The age of menarche, which is a sign that a female has reached reproductive maturity, has a significant impact on the health of women. Numerous components, including nutritional status, socioeconomic status, diet, environment, sibling relationship, hereditary and genetic factors, religious group, ethnicity, psychological stress, migration, and chronic illness, have been postulated to influence the age of menarche. Opinions on these theories have varied, both for and against the theory. In a survey it was reported that women complaints joint pains /stiff shoulder and LBA. Risk of musculoskeletal problems and the perception of pain could increase with obesity.To find the prevalence of physiological and psychological health problems in middle-aged females due to early menarche.Women matching the study criteria and willing to participate in the survey were approached and informed consent was taken. An interview was conducted on either a physical or virtual mode by a trained therapist as per the check list designed for this study.The content of the checklist was validated with the help of experts in this study domain and subjected to statistical tests which yielded a Cronbach’s score of 0.967. The participants response on this checklist was analyzed and a strong association of physical and psychological health issue was documented particularly among working women, multiparous women, and with type of delivery women had undergone during 1 pregnancy.The present study documented significant findings with the early age of menarche and its association with physical and psychological health of the women.