Age at natural menopause linked to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
In
a pioneering effort to understand the intricate relationship between polycystic
ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the age at natural menopause (ANM), a
population-based study has unfolded compelling findings. The study found a significant
association between PCOS and ANM in women, with potential implications for
fertility and reproductive health.
The
study results were published in the journal Menopause.
Conducted
over approximately two decades, the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study enrolled
1,696 reproductive-aged participants, embarking on a quest to discern the
association between PCOS and ANM. The research cohort comprised 348 women
diagnosed with PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria and 1,348 non-PCOS
controls. Employing an accelerated failure time survival regression model, the
study meticulously adjusted for numerous potential confounders, including age
at baseline, menarche age, medical history, parity, oral contraceptive use,
body mass index, education level, physical activity, and smoking.
Findings:
- The
unadjusted analysis unveiled a significant positive association between PCOS
and ANM, revealing that women with PCOS experienced 1.05 times longer time to
menopause compared to their non-PCOS counterparts (95% confidence interval,
1.02-1.06; P < 0.001). - Even
after adjusting for the multifaceted factors influencing menopausal age, the
results remained significant, indicating 1.03 times longer time to menopause
for PCOS-affected women (95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.06; P = 0.002).
These
findings carry noteworthy implications for women grappling with PCOS,
suggesting a potential impact on their fertility and reproductive health. The
study not only establishes a robust association between PCOS and ANM but also
prompts further inquiry into the underlying mechanisms governing this
relationship. This
groundbreaking research opens avenues for future investigations, ultimately
aiming to empower women with valuable insights into their reproductive journey.
Further reading: Amiri M, Rahmati M, Firouzi F, Azizi F, Ramezani Tehran F. A prospective study on the relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome and age at natural menopause. Menopause. 2024;31(2):130-137. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000002261
