A Secular Trend in Menarche Age and its Associated Factors among Adolescent Girls in India: Systematic Review

Introduction:- Many developing and developed countries have seen a decline in menarche age over the last century. Early menarche is linked to physical and psychological problems, and it poses pressure on the schooling of adolescent girls. The major aim of the study is to examine the best available evidence on the menstrual age trend in India and its determinative factors.  Methodology:- Systematic review with a narrative synthesis of the available data was done. Data sources included PUBMED, SCOPUS and Google Scholar from 2016 until 2024 published articles.  Results:- The selected cross-sectional studies showed the menarche age between 9 years to 16 years and the mean age reported between 12 to 14 years. A considerable number of girls from different studies attained menarche earlier than 12 years. Declining menarche was seen as more common among urban girls than the rural girls. Socioeconomic status, Body Mass Index, height, weight, lack of exercise, non-vegetarian diet, lack of sleep habits, and birth order were identified as significant factors in declining menarche. Common problems identified among the girls were dysmenorrhea, tiredness, and back pain with regards to menstruation.  Conclusion:- This study found a secular decline in menarche age among Indian women, as well as a variation in mean menarche age between different studies from different geographical locations with in India. Early menarche necessities for joined efforts in early education for the adolescent school girls.