The beginning of the reproductive phase of a woman's life. It usually begins with night sweats, continues a few months later with estrogen, followed by ovulation, then the full cycle and the growth of secondary sexual characteristics... in various orders. Also called adolescence or puberty, it is mirrored in reverse at the end of the reproductive years as menopause.

	Breast Cancer Our Question about age at puberty onset (female) "Early onset of menarche (beginning of the menstrual function) is a recognized risk factor for breast cancer, while a later menarche has been associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer..." Recommendation Plant-Based Nutrition "...Regarding children, plant-based diets may encourage a later menarche (beginning of the menstrual function), which has been shown to be associated with reduced risk of breast cancer in epidemiologic studies..."

Last updated: Oct 08, 2008