Premenarcheal and postmenarcheal girls of the same chronological ages (11.5-15.5 years) and from the same villages in Guatemala differ significantly in patterns and mean levels of several measures of bone development. Stature, metacarpal dimensions, bone mineral content and bone mineral density from single photon absorptiometry, and total alkaline phosphatase activity are significantly associated with menarcheal status. Controlling for chronological age, there is significant variation in bone development associated with variation in menarcheal status. Unequivocal presentation and analyses of bone development in adolescent girls require that menarcheal status or another adequate measure of maturation be considered. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Copyright © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company.