New Study Uncovers Genes That Could Predict When Menopause Hits
A groundbreaking new study has identified four genes that control the timing of menopause, shedding light on how the menopause clock links to cancer risk. The research, published in Nature, found that certain genetic variants cause women to experience menopause up to five years earlier than average.
Rare Gene Variant Slashes Reproductive Lifespan
Scientists analysed genetic data from 106,973 post-menopausal women in the UK Biobank study, focusing on rare variants affecting protein loss. The standout finding? A mutation in the ZNF518A gene, present in just 1 in 4,000 women, shortened the reproductive lifespan by a staggering margin—five times greater than anything seen before.
Menopause Genes Also Raise Cancer Risk
The study discovered that genes affecting menopause timing also link to cancer risk, including famous genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. Another gene, SAMHD1, delays menopause by over a year but is tied to cancer risk in both men and women.
Experts See Big Health Implications
“Studying ovarian aging will not only lead to a better understanding of reproductive health but also enhance our knowledge of processes that regulate DNA damage and cancer risk,” said Professor John Perry from the University of cambridge/" title="Cambridge" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Cambridge.
Professor Anna Murray of the University of Exeter added that the findings open doors for therapies to extend reproductive life and lower cancer risk, key for women’s health and family planning.
This landmark research opens new paths for treatments aimed at improving reproductive health and potentially extending quality of life. With menopause timing tied closely to cancer risk, these genetic insights could transform women’s healthcare.
