Listen to Story In a recent study, scientists have discovered a gene that is probably behind the cause of early menopause in many women. This gene variant when inherited from both parents could lead to menopause, the period during which a woman's menstrual cycle stops for good, almost a decade earlier. In our bodies, gene variants are small changes in the instructions that make us who we are, sometimes leading to different traits or health conditions.
Scientists at deCODE genetics, who published their findings in Nature Genetics , focused on a rare genetic variant in the CCDC201 gene, which affects when women go through menopause. Researchers analysed data from over 1,74,000 women from Iceland, Denmark, the UK, and Norway. They found that women with two copies of this variant, known as homozygotes, tend to enter menopause much earlier, on average, nine years sooner than those without the variant.
In our bodies, gene variants are small changes in the instructions that make us who we are, sometimes leading to different traits or health conditions. (Photo: Getty Images) The CCDC201 gene, which was only recognised as a protein-coding gene in humans in 2022, is highly active in egg cells. The study shows that losing the function of this gene has a major impact on female reproductive health.
For women who have two copies of this gene variant, early menopause is common. About 1 in 10,000 women of Northern European descent carry this variant, and nearly half of them experience primary ovarian insufficiency, meaning they go through menopause before age 40 . As a result, these women tend to have fewer children and are unlikely to have children after 30.
This discovery highlights the need to consider different genetic factors when studying conditions like primary ovarian insufficiency. It also suggests that genetic counselling could be beneficial for women who carry this variant, helping them make informed decisions about their reproductive health and manage symptoms of early menopause. ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MENOPAUSE Menopause is the time that marks the end of a person's menstrual cycle .
It is the natural decline of reproductive hormones. It is diagnosed after you've gone 12 months without a menstrual period, especially during your 40s or 50s. The period before the complete stopping of your menstrual cycle marks perimenopause , which involves a fluctuating menstrual cycle.
It can happen 10 years before menopause. Menopause can have an emotional and psychological impact. (Photo: Getty Images) As hormone levels drop, postmenopausal women are at a higher risk for certain health conditions.
These include heart disease, osteoporosis, and urinary incontinence. The decline in estrogen levels also affects cholesterol levels, increasing the likelihood of heart disease. Bone density loss accelerates after menopause, making bones more susceptible to fractures.
There are various ways to manage menopause symptoms . Besides, Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques can help. Menopause can also have an emotional and psychological impact.
Some women experience mood swings, anxiety, or depression during this time, partly due to hormonal changes but also due to the life transitions that often coincide with menopause. Experts often suggest acknowledging these feelings and seek support, whether through therapy, support groups, or talking with friends and family..
