Genetic test may predict fertility
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A simple genetic test could in future help women predict their reproductive lifespan.
Scientists have identified four genes that affect menopausal age. In combination they have a larger impact, leading some women to reach "the change" unusually early.
Study leader Anna Murray, from the University of Exeter Peninsula Medical School, said: "It is estimated that a woman's ability to conceive decreases on average 10 years before she starts the menopause. Therefore, those who are destined to have an early menopause and delay childbearing until their 30s are more likely to have problems conceiving. These findings are the first stage in developing an easy and relatively inexpensive genetic test which could help the one in 20 UK women who may be affected by early menopause."
Women taking part in the research were participants in the Breakthrough Generations Study, an investigation into breast cancer.
A total of 2,000 women who had experienced early menopause were compared with a matched number who had not. DNA tests identified the four genes that each raise the risk of an early menopause. The findings were published in the journal Human Molecular Genetics.
Professor Anthony Swerdlow, from the Institute of Cancer Research, said: "We have made a valuable step towards helping women identify and predict whether they are at risk of early menopause. This may in turn allow them to make informed decisions about their future fertility."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments