What Happens at Menarche

Menarche is the culmination of a series of physiological and anatomic processes of puberty: Attainment of a sufficient body mass (typically 17% body fat). Disinhibition of the GnRH pulse generator in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Secretion of estrogen by the ovaries in response to pituitary hormones.

What is menarche stage?

Menarche is the occurrence of a first menstrual period in a female adolescent. Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the functional layer of the uterine endometrial lining that occurs when ovulation is not followed by fertilization. It occurs approximately every 28 days, with a range from every 21 to every 45 days.

What happens to the female body during menarche?

In girls, the first puberty change is the development of breast buds. These are small mounds that form under the nipple as the breast and nipple become slightly raised. The areola (the circle of different colored skin around the nipple) gets larger at this time. The breasts then continue to grow.