Historical Trends in the Age at Menarche and Menopause

Abstract

Although more historical research is required, the pattern for menarche is reasonably well established. During classical and medieval times the typical age for menarche was around the 14th year of life; prior to the 1800s there was a marked shift upwards in age, and a subsequent downward trend to the current age of around 13 yr. The pattern for menopause is not so well established. Age 50 is by far the most frequently cited, both historically and at present, but data are sketchy. Numerous correlational studies have produced some interesting questions but few solid answers to the determinants of the age at which menarche and menopause occur.