menarche

American  

[muh-nahr-kee, me-] / məˈnɑr ki, mɛ- /

noun

Physiology.

1. the first menstrual period; the establishment of menstruation.

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menarche British  

/ mɛˈnɑːkɪ /

noun

1. the first occurrence of menstruation in a woman's life

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menarche Scientific  

/ mə-när′kē /

1. The first menstrual period.

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Other Word Forms

• menarcheal adjective
• menarchial adjective

Etymology

Origin of menarche

1895–1900; men- + archḗ beginning

Example Sentences

"Continuing to investigate early menarche and its drivers is critical," said corresponding author Zifan Wang, postdoctoral research fellow in Harvard Chan School's Department of Environmental Health.

From Science Daily • May 29, 2024

There's also research from the United Kingdom suggesting that those who experience earlier menarche are more likely to report more heavy bleeding and period pain.

From Salon • Aug. 13, 2022

As part of Caldwell’s research, she catalogues menstrual product advertisements, which appear in the book to illustrate their propensity for puritanical shaming, and interviews family members and friends willing to share stories of their menarche.

From Washington Post • Apr. 20, 2022

I am surprised that early menarche is a factor associated with heart disease and stroke risk, not so surprised about...

From New York Times • Jan. 18, 2018

I scheduled my periods right through December, by which time I was certain my real menarche would have finally arrived.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides