I think many factors come into play, heredity (when your mom began menses
seems significant), weight/size, also good health.  I see ethnic
differences that probably lean to the weight/size differences.  It is not
unusual for us to see pre-menarche indications around 8 -10 and menarche by
10-11 in African American females in our practice.  OTOH Vietnamese females
in Atlantic City tend to reach menarche later 12-13, but they are generally
slighter.  Have oddles on Mexican American babies and toddlers, none to
teen age yet.  Will keep up my observations :-)  Am more aware of this
because it is one of the standard Q I ask each young woman on annual
physical -ie: when did menses begin?  Sincerely, Pat in SNJ

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