What does the term 'menarche' refer to?

The term 'menarche' specifically refers to the first occurrence of menstruation in a female's life. This event typically marks the beginning of a female's reproductive years and signifies the onset of her ability to conceive. Menarche is an important milestone in the development of female sexual characteristics, occurring usually between the ages of 9 and 16, although it can vary.

The other options pertain to different aspects of the menstrual cycle. The end of a menstrual cycle refers to the conclusion of menstruation, which is unrelated to the initial event of menarche. The regular cycle of menstruation describes the recurring nature of menstrual periods, typically occurring monthly, whereas hormonal changes before menstruation refer to the physiological processes leading up to menstruation, but they are not indicative of the first event itself. Thus, B accurately captures the meaning of menarche as the starting point of menstruation.