The association between age at menarche and subsequent risk of chronic pain

Front Glob Womens Health. 2026 Jun 23;7:1808092. doi: 10.3389/fgwh.2026.1808092. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Chronic pain is a significant clinical issue worldwide. There is a well-documented gender difference in chronic pain, women experiencing it more frequently. Previous studies have shown that an earlier age at menarche is associated with an increased risk of chronic pain. Age at menarche can be altered by non-genetic factors, such as disturbances in the psychological or physical environment. Many studies have investigated non-genetic factors associated with the onset of menarche. However, no study has examined whether these factors, in conjunction with age at menarche, lead to chronic pain later in life. This review explores potentially shared non-genetic factors between age at menarche and subsequent chronic pain risk. There are potential links between age at menarche, non-genetic factors, and subsequent chronic pain risk. Studies have revealed that these links may be mediated by depression. Since information on age at menarche is easily obtainable, pediatricians, educators, school counselors, and psychologists can use it to identify girls at risk for chronic pain later in life. This review will raise awareness among these professionals, as well as other healthcare professionals, of the clinical importance of age at menarche in women with chronic pain. Pain perception varies among ethnic groups and is heavily influenced by culture. However, the majority of previously published studies were derived from "WEIRD" (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) populations. More research is needed to understand the relationship between age at menarche and subsequent chronic pain risk among women of different ethnicities.

PMID:42416370 | PMC:PMC13337901 | DOI:10.3389/fgwh.2026.1808092