Around what ages does menarche most commonly occur?

• A. Around 12-13 years
• B. Around 9-10 years
• C. Around 14-15 years
• D. Around 10-11 years

Answer: (A)

Menarche, the first menstrual period, signals that puberty has progressed enough for reproductive maturity to begin. The most common age is around 12 to 13 years, reflecting the peak timing as girls reach mid-puberty after initial signs like breast development and growth spurts. While some variation exists and the range can span roughly from 9 to 15 years, 12-13 is the typical age most girls experience their first period. Ages around 9-10 or 10-11 are usually before puberty has fully started, and 14-15 is later than the common peak, making the 12-13 range the best answer.