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Age at menarche: a predictor of diminished ovarian function?
Andrea Weghofer1, Ann Kim, David H Barad
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Center for Human Reproduction and Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, New York.
Fertility and Sterility
|July 2, 2013
Summary
Early menstruation is linked to diminished functional ovarian reserve (DFOR) in infertile women. This suggests menarche age may impact future fertility by influencing ovarian reserve size and follicle recruitment speed.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Human Fertility Studies
- Gynecology
Background:
- Functional ovarian reserve (FOR) is crucial for female fertility.
- Age at menarche, the onset of menstruation, is a key developmental marker.
- Understanding factors influencing FOR is vital for reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if age at menarche is associated with functional ovarian reserve (FOR) later in life.
- To investigate the relationship between early menarche and diminished FOR (DFOR).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study involving 502 infertile women at a fertility center.
- Analysis of menarcheal age, antimüllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and FOR.
- Logistic regression adjusted for race to assess DFOR risk.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was found between early menarche (age <13 years) and DFOR.
- Infertile women with DFOR were more likely to have experienced early menarche.
- Early menarche was linked to a significantly higher risk of DFOR compared to late menarche.
Conclusions:
- Age at menarche significantly impacts the risk of DFOR in infertile women.
- Menarcheal age may predict DFOR by influencing initial follicular pool size and/or recruitment rate.
- Early menarche is a potential risk factor for diminished functional ovarian reserve later in life.
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