Survey study, 2014

Does the age when girls start their period affect how they feel about menstruation?

Yes, girls who started their period before age 11 felt less prepared and had more negative feelings about it compared to girls who started at later ages. They felt scared, worried, and sad, and were more likely to keep it secret.

Moderate study design Mexican adolescent girls aged 11-16 from 10 public schools

What they did

Survey study of Mexican girls aged 11-16 years from 10 public schools. All girls answered questionnaires about how they felt when they got their first period and their current attitudes toward menstruation.

What they found

Girls who started their period before age 11 were more likely than girls who started at 11-12 years or at 13 or older to not know what to do, not feel prepared, want to keep it secret, and feel scared, worried, or sad. They were least likely to feel calm. Girls who started at 13 or older showed more positive attitudes.

What it means for you

Starting menstruation early, without warning or preparation, leaves girls unprepared and distressed. These girls benefit from special support and preparation before and after menarche. This is a single-country survey, so results may not apply everywhere.

age groups at menarche examined

public schools

11-16

age range of girls

About the study

Original title: Age at menarche, reactions to menarche and attitudes towards menstruation among Mexican adolescent girls
Authors: Marván ML, Alcalá-Herrera V
Journal: Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology
Year: 2014
Study design: Survey study
What was tested: None - survey questionnaire
Read the paper: doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2013.06.021

Topics

Adolescents and young people Stigma, attitudes and culture

Systematic review, 2025

Does teaching adolescent girls about their menstrual cycle and health help reduce period pain and PMS?

Study, 2026

What coping strategies help women manage PMS symptoms?

Randomised trial, 2026

Does yoga or foot reflexology work better for teenage PMS?

Review, 2026

How do social factors like stigma and unequal care responsibilities affect premenstrual symptoms?

Survey study, 2025

Is a negative attitude toward menstruation linked to worse PMS symptoms?