Menopause Across Asia: A Comprehensive Meta-analysis of Age and Influencing Factors

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Demography
• Public Health

Background:

• Menopause, the irreversible cessation of menstruation, is a critical life stage for women.
• The timing of menopause is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
• Significant regional variations in menopausal age exist across diverse Asian populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize data from various Asian countries to determine the average age of natural menopause.
• To identify regional variations in menopausal age across Asia.
• To explore the determinants associated with the age at menopause.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Inclusion of population-based and cohort studies reporting mean age at natural menopause.
• Exclusion of studies on premature ovarian insufficiency or surgical menopause.

Main Results:

• Pooled mean age of menopause ranged from 46.36 years (Pakistan) to 52.0 years (Indonesia).
• Urban women experienced later menopause (49 years) compared to rural women (46.5 years).
• Factors associated with delayed menopause include higher BMI, socioeconomic status, parity, and education; smoking, alcohol, stress, and early menarche were linked to earlier onset.

Conclusions:

• The age at menopause exhibits significant variability across Asian populations.
• Socioeconomic status, lifestyle choices, and demographic factors are key determinants of menopausal age.
• Understanding these variations is crucial for targeted public health initiatives and women's health management.