Diet and menarche in different ethnic groups

Plasma hormone concentrations have been measured in Bantu girls aged 8-14 yr, who have a late menarche and a low risk of breast cancer, and in Caucasian girls who have an early menarche and are at high risk. Plasma dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and the DHEA/androstenedione ratio were significantly higher in Caucasian than in Bantu girls, at all ages studied. LH levels were higher in Bantu girls. Nutritional factors partially control the age of menarche. Diet-related DHEA levels may be a trigger for the onset of puberty. © 1980.