U.S. Trends in Age at Menarche and First Intercourse

National survey shows both milestone events are happening earlier.

Age at first menstrual period (menarche) and age at first intercourse are both important in demarcating, among other outcomes, when girls can become pregnant. Using data from the National Survey of Family Growth (which tracks reproductive parameters in U.S. women as young as 15), this report provides estimates of age at menarche and first intercourse for the 2013 through 2017 interval compared with 1995.

During the study period, median age at menarche fell from 12.1 to 11.9 years and the percentage of women who reached menarche by age 10 rose from 7% to 10%. Although Hispanic women reached menarche at an earlier age, non-Hispanic Black women were not significantly different from others with respect to age at menarche. Women with higher socio…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

U.S. Trends in Age at Menarche and First Intercourse

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Reviewing Author