Early menopause accelerates aging

A review study of 29 research articles indicates that women who experience early menopause tend to show signs of biological aging more rapidly. Blood tests revealed that these women have a slightly higher biological age—ranging from less than a month up to about a month and a half—compared to those who reach menopause at a later age. These tests are based on chemical markers associated with DNA within cells, and changes in these markers are linked to early menopause. It’s important to note that the type of sample (blood versus saliva or cheek cells) affects the results, with blood samples typically providing more accurate differences. The study also highlights that factors such as smoking, weight, and chronic illnesses can influence both the timing of menopause and biological aging scores. Furthermore, reproductive history plays a significant role in assessing overall health and biological age. While early menopause does not necessarily mean faster aging, it underscores the connection between reproductive health and overall aging.