Timing of Menarche and Menopause and Epigenetic Aging among U.S. Adults: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002

Daredia, S., Khodasevich, D., Gladish, N., Shen, H., Nwanaji-Enwerem, J. C., Bozack, A. K., Needham, B. L., Rehkopf, D. H., Deardorff, J., Cardenas, A.

Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Medicine, Stanford University. Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University.Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Medicine, Stanford University. Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University. · medrxiv

Paper

Abstract

Reproductive aging, including timing of menarche and menopause, influences long-term morbidity and mortality in women, yet underlying biological mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using DNA methylation-based biomarkers, we assessed associations of age at menarche (N=1,033) and menopause (N=658) with epigenetic aging in a nationally representative sample of women [≥]50 years. Later age at menopause was associated with lower GrimAge epigenetic age deviation (B = -0.10 years, 95% CI: -0.19, -0.02). No associations were observed for menarche timing. This suggests a connection between earlier menopause and biological aging, with potential clinical implications for identifying those at high risk for age-related disease.

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Research summary

The paper investigates the relationship between reproductive aging markers (menarche and menopause) and epigenetic aging, which is pertinent to understanding biological aging processes. However, the findings are relatively modest and do not provide substantial new insights into the root causes of aging or significant mechanisms for lifespan extension. The impact is limited as it primarily correlates reproductive timing with epigenetic markers without addressing broader implications for aging interventions.

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