Genetics: The Invisible Influence on Your Menopause Transition
Did you know that the age at which your mother experienced menopause could influence when you do?
That’s because menopause has a genetic element. If your mother went through menopause early, you might be more likely to as well.
However, this isn’t the whole picture as many other factors can influence when you start menopause.
mother and daughter holding hands
The Genetic Link
Research has shown that there is a significant genetic component to the timing of menopause. Women who have a family history of early menopause (before the age of 45) may be more likely to experience early menopause themselves. This is because certain genes are involved in the ageing and function of the ovaries, which can impact the onset of menopause. Scroll to the bottom of this post if you want to find out more.
Beyond Genetics
While genetics play a role, they are not the only factor that determines when you will start menopause. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, and exercise, as well as certain medical treatments like chemotherapy, can also influence the timing of menopause.
Genetics and Menopause Symptoms
Genetics can also influence the severity of menopause symptoms. Some women may have a genetic predisposition to more severe hot flashes, while others may experience milder symptoms. Understanding your genetic predisposition can help you prepare and manage your symptoms more effectively.
Navigating the Transition
Menopause is a natural part of ageing, and while we can’t change our genetics, we can take steps to manage our symptoms and maintain our health during this transition. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can all help alleviate menopause symptoms.
Nutritional therapy takes an holistic view of not only your menopause symptoms but your health history, your diet, your dieting history and your health goals. I use all this information to guide me into creating a personalised nutrition plan that will support your body and works with your unique biology.
This plan is adjusted once you see the shifts in your body and your symptoms start to diminish.
I believe in a food first approach and will look for enhancements to your current diet rather than lots of restrictions. I, occasionally, may also recommend a short course of supplements but again this is dependent on your individual needs.
If you’re struggling with menopause symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out and find out how nutritional therapy can support you during your menopause journey.
Lesley xx
Next Time
Lifestyle Factors and Menopause: Your lifestyle can impact your menopause symptoms. Here’s what you need to know.
DNA
Here are some key findings from recent research on the genetic link to menopause:
A large study scanned the genes of hundreds of thousands of women near the age of menopause and found hundreds of genetic signals that might help predict and prevent early menopause, as well as treat infertility and improve women’s reproductive health in the future (1).
Researchers from the universities of Cambridge, Exeter, and Copenhagen scanned the genes of more than 200,000 women and found nearly 300 genetic signals. These signals could help identify why some women are predisposed to early menopause and whether these signals can be manipulated to improve fertility (2).
The study found that two genes named CHEK1 and CHEK2 were key to understanding the difference between women who experience menopause at different ages. Women who lacked enough CHEK2 protein experienced menopause more than three years later than those who had normal CHEK2 levels (2).
Another study from Harvard School of Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, National Cancer Institute, and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT identified 10 genetic variants in two chromosomal regions associated with age at menarche (the first menstrual period), and 13 genetic variants in four chromosomal regions associated with age at natural menopause (3).
A study published in BMC Women’s Health investigated risk factors for the onset of natural menopause before the age of 45 in two population-based prospective cohort studies in Britain. The study found that early menopause is influenced by circumstances at birth. Women born in lower social class families, whose mother smoked during the pregnancy or who were breastfed 1 month or less were more likely to undergo early menopause (4).
These studies highlight the significant role of genetics in determining the timing and symptoms of menopause. However, it’s important to note that many other factors, including lifestyle and environmental factors, can also influence the onset and experience of menopause.
References:
1: Study finds genetic signals that might be used to predict early menopause (statnews.com)
2: Genetic secret to age women start menopause discovered | Menopause | The Guardian
5: Genomic analysis identifies variants that can predict the timing of menopause (nature.com)