menarche

[muh-nahr-kee, me-]

noun

Physiology.

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

menarche

/ mɛˈnɑːkɪ /

noun

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

menarche

1. The first menstrual period.

Other Word Forms

• menarcheal adjective
• menarchial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of menarche¹

1895–1900; men- + archḗ beginning

Word History and Origins

Origin of menarche¹

C20: New Latin, from Greek mēn month + arkhē beginning

Example Sentences

While previous studies have shown trends towards earlier menarche over the past five decades, data has been limited on how these trends present within different racial groups and socioeconomic statuses.

From Science Daily

But Bohannon chalks up that drop in scores to a sexist society that forces girls into the patriarchy’s control after menarche.

From Salon

Walker explained that during adolescent development, the beginning of menarche signals the start of a growth spurt that can take up to four years to complete.

From Salon

Women with uterine cancer tended to be older with an earlier age of menarche, or onset of menstruation, a higher body mass index and lower physical activity.

From New York Times

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