By: SUDDHAA GHOSAL, ROHAN DAS
The timing of menarche, a key event in female reproductive health, is influenced by complex interactions among hormonal, environmental, and genetic factors. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between reported age at menarche and the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), a proxy for prenatal hormonal exposure, in 85 females aged 13 to 25. Structured interviews and vernier caliper measurements were used to collect sociodemographic data, BMI, and digit lengths. The participants’ mean age was 20.36 ± 3.43 years, and their mean age at menarche was 12.32 ± 1.34 years. The digit ratios showed strong bilateral consistency (left: 0.99 ± 0.044; right: 1.00 ± 0.049). Chi-square analysis indicated no significant correlation between digit ratios and age at menarche (p > 0.05). Although nutritional diversity was observed, the results suggest that 2D:4D may have limited predictive value for pubertal timing in this population.
