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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.

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

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.

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.

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.