SYSTEMATIC REVIEW: EARLY MENARCHE IN GIRLS: A CONVERGENCE OF MODERN MEDICINE AND AYURVEDA

Adolescents (10-19 years) constitute nearly 1/5th of total population of India. In girls it is a special period which signifies the transition from girlhood to womanhood and is marked with the onset of menarche. First menstrual bleeding – Menarche usually begins between the age of 9-15 years approximately 2 to 21/2 years after the appearance of breast buds. Early menarche, defined as the onset of menstruation before the age of 10, has seen a rising prevalence in recent decades. This phenomenon has significant implications for physical, psychological, and reproductive health. There may be slight variation in individual cases because of age, that can be influenced by specific Ahara and Arogya. While modern medicine has extensively researched its correlates, potential consequences, and management strategies, the Ayurvedic perspective offers unique insights into the underlying etiologies and preventive approaches. This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on early menarche from both biomedical and Ayurvedic perspectives, identifying potential synergies and knowledge gaps.