RESUMO
AIMS: This study aimed to assess the association of age at menarche (AAM) with multimorbidity and chronic diseases. METHODS: We used data regarding the reproductive history of 8,294 female participants of the Azar Cohort Study. A questionnaire assessed the participants' demographic information, reproductive history, personal behaviors, smoking status, socioeconomic status, activity status, and wealth score index. RESULTS: Among 8,286 women included in the analysis, the AAM was < 12 years (early) in 648 (7.8%), 12-14 years (normal) in 4,911 (59.3%), and > 14 years (late) in 2,727 (32.9%) individuals. Early menarche was associated with a high risk of diabetes, obesity, and high WHR. On the other hand, late menarche was associated with higher rates of hypertension, stroke, and diabetes but a lower risk of MM, rheumatoid disease, obesity, abdominal obesity, and WHtR. CONCLUSION: Changes in AAM have significant health implications. Factors predisposing individuals to early menarche and its consequences should be considered in chronic disease prevention strategies for adolescents and young adults.