Word parts
men/o month, menstruationarche beginning (Greek)
What it means
The first period, a milestone of puberty. In the United States it usually comes around age 12, often about two years after breast development begins, though anywhere from about 9 to 15 can be normal. Early periods are often irregular.
For the nurse
Teach young people and their families what to expect before it happens, and how to manage periods. Ask about the age of menarche as part of a reproductive history.
At a glance
| Spanish | menarquia |
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Related terms
menopause
The time in a woman's life when menstrual periods stop for good, counted once there has been no period for 12 months in a row.
menorrhagia
Menstrual periods that are very heavy or last longer than usual.
endometrium
The inner lining of the uterus, which thickens each month and is shed as the menstrual period if no pregnancy begins.
dysmenorrhea
Painful menstrual periods.