Understanding the Relationship Between PCOS and Age at Natural Menopause

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.

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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).

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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