New Genetic Discoveries Shed Light on Early Menopause and Cancer Risk

Studies reveal rare genetic variants that significantly influence menopause timing and reproductive health.

• Researchers identified four key genes (ETAA1, ZNF518A, PNPLA8, and PALB2) that can cause menopause to occur 2 to 5.5 years earlier than average.
• The presence of certain genetic variants is linked to both earlier menopause and an increased risk of cancer, particularly in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
• Changes in the ZNF518A gene have the most substantial impact, reducing reproductive lifespan by over six years, though such variants are rare.
• The studies used data from the UK Biobank, analyzing genetic sequences from over 100,000 women to uncover these findings.
• Understanding these genetic factors may lead to new treatments for infertility and improved predictions for menopause timing.

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