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Earlier menopause linked to faster biological aging, study finds (opens in a new tab)

medicalxpress.com · 2026-10-13

Short answerEvidenceSource

Short answer

Mixed

Mixed.

The claims we could check match the study, but some claims were not covered by the evidence reviewed.

  • 5 supported
  • 3 not covered

Checked against the study summary. The full text wasn't available, so some details couldn't be settled either way.

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Follow the evidence trail
1
2

NewsLink checks it

Mixed

Every claim we could check holds up. Five of eight claims match the study. This overall rating is based only on the claims we could check. Three claims the study doesn't address.

  • 5 supported
  • 3 not covered
Open claim evidence
3
Then inspect each claim

Evidence layer

Claim by claim

Each claim gets a verdict. Expand it to see the evidence directly below.

8 claims in this story

Showing all 8 claimsChoose a verdict to focus the list.

Claim 1 of 8Not coveredSimilar associations were also found using the Horvath1Age and PhenoAge clocks.View evidenceHide evidence

Why this verdict

The abstract-level profile says associations were particularly evident with second-generation clocks, including PhenoAge and GrimAge, but it does not provide the claimed clock-specific menopause results for Horvath1Age or clearly state that similar associations were found using both Horvath1Age and PhenoAge. Full-text clock-specific results would be needed.

1

Study evidence

The authors report that associations between aspects of reproductive history and higher epigenetic age acceleration were detected particularly with 2nd-generation DNAm clocks (PhenoAge, GrimAge) based on cross-study synthesis.

“These findings highlight that aspects of reproductive history are cross-sectionally associated with higher EAA, particularly measured with 2nd generation DNAm clocks (PhenoAge, GrimAge).”
Claim 2 of 8Not coveredThe review found an emerging link between biological age acceleration during pregnancy and preterm birth; in one study, each additional year of GrimAge acceleration during pregnancy was associated with higher odds of birth before 37, 34, and 28 weeks.View evidenceHide evidence

As stated11% higher odds before 37 weeks, 13% before 34 weeks, 18% before 28 weeks

Why this verdict

The abstract-level profile supports only a broad narrative statement that preterm birth was consistently associated with higher EAA across studies. It does not verify the more specific framing that biological age acceleration during pregnancy predicted preterm birth, nor the claimed odds increases before 37, 34, and 28 weeks. Those details may require full-text or individual-study evidence.

1

Study evidence

Each one-year earlier age at menopause was associated with higher epigenetic age acceleration; meta-analysis strongest in GrimAge.GrimAge: β = -0.08 years per year earlier (95% CI -0.11 to -0.05); n = 5,920

“Biological age measured by DNA methylation clocks and reproductive history: Systematic review and meta-analysis”
2

Study evidence

The authors report that associations between aspects of reproductive history and higher epigenetic age acceleration were detected particularly with 2nd-generation DNAm clocks (PhenoAge, GrimAge) based on cross-study synthesis.

“These findings highlight that aspects of reproductive history are cross-sectionally associated with higher EAA, particularly measured with 2nd generation DNAm clocks (PhenoAge, GrimAge).”
Claim 3 of 8Not coveredThe researchers stressed that the findings show associations, not cause and effect, and that most studies were cross-sectional; the article says larger longitudinal studies are needed and that it remains unclear whether DNAm clocks improve on existing clinical tools.View evidenceHide evidence

Why this verdict

The profile supports the main caution that the reported associations are cross-sectional and should not be interpreted causally. However, the abstract-level profile does not verify that the researchers specifically called for larger longitudinal studies or stated that it remains unclear whether DNAm clocks improve on existing clinical tools. Those parts are not verifiable at the supplied evidence depth.

1

Study evidence

Earlier age at menopause is associated with higher epigenetic age acceleration (EAA); association strongest for GrimAge in pooled cross-sectional studies.GrimAge: β = -0.08 years per one-year earlier menopause (95% CI -0.11 to -0.05); pooled n = 5,920

“Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies showed each one-year earlier age at menopause was significantly associated with higher EAA, strongest in GrimAge (n = 5920, β=-0.08 years, 95% CI: -0.11, -0.05).”
2

Study evidence

The authors report that associations between aspects of reproductive history and higher epigenetic age acceleration were detected particularly with 2nd-generation DNAm clocks (PhenoAge, GrimAge) based on cross-study synthesis.

“These findings highlight that aspects of reproductive history are cross-sectionally associated with higher EAA, particularly measured with 2nd generation DNAm clocks (PhenoAge, GrimAge).”
Claim 4 of 8SupportedA study led by researchers from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, found that the age at which a woman experiences menopause and her reproductive history may be associated with how quickly she ages biologically.View evidenceHide evidence

Why this verdict

The paper profile supports the core associational claim: the review synthesized evidence that reproductive history, especially earlier menopause, is associated with DNAm-clock epigenetic age acceleration. The story is appropriately hedged as 'may be associated.' The specific lead-institution detail is not verifiable from the abstract-level paper profile, but the scientific substance is supported.

1

Study evidence

Each one-year earlier age at menopause was associated with higher epigenetic age acceleration; meta-analysis strongest in GrimAge.GrimAge: β = -0.08 years per year earlier (95% CI -0.11 to -0.05); n = 5,920

“Biological age measured by DNA methylation clocks and reproductive history: Systematic review and meta-analysis”
2

Study evidence

Earlier age at menopause is associated with higher epigenetic age acceleration (EAA); association strongest for GrimAge in pooled cross-sectional studies.GrimAge: β = -0.08 years per one-year earlier menopause (95% CI -0.11 to -0.05); pooled n = 5,920

“Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies showed each one-year earlier age at menopause was significantly associated with higher EAA, strongest in GrimAge (n = 5920, β=-0.08 years, 95% CI: -0.11, -0.05).”
Claim 5 of 8SupportedThe study, published in Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, brought together evidence from 29 previously published studies involving 550,550 women to examine whether reproductive milestones, pregnancies and birth outcomes were associated with biological aging measured using DNA methylation clocks.View evidenceHide evidence

As stated29 studies; 550,550 women

Why this verdict

The abstract-level profile supports that this was a systematic review/meta-analysis of 29 studies including 550,550 participants assessing reproductive-history exposures against DNAm clock-derived EAA. The journal name is not independently verifiable from the supplied profile, but the design, sample count, and scientific aim are supported.

1

Study evidence

Each one-year earlier age at menopause was associated with higher epigenetic age acceleration; meta-analysis strongest in GrimAge.GrimAge: β = -0.08 years per year earlier (95% CI -0.11 to -0.05); n = 5,920

“Biological age measured by DNA methylation clocks and reproductive history: Systematic review and meta-analysis”
2

Study evidence

Earlier age at menopause is associated with higher epigenetic age acceleration (EAA); association strongest for GrimAge in pooled cross-sectional studies.GrimAge: β = -0.08 years per one-year earlier menopause (95% CI -0.11 to -0.05); pooled n = 5,920

“Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies showed each one-year earlier age at menopause was significantly associated with higher EAA, strongest in GrimAge (n = 5920, β=-0.08 years, 95% CI: -0.11, -0.05).”
Claim 6 of 8SupportedEarlier menopause showed one of the clearest associations with greater epigenetic age acceleration; in the meta-analysis, each one-year earlier age at menopause was associated with approximately 0.08 years, or about one month, of greater epigenetic age acceleration when measured using GrimAge.View evidenceHide evidence

As statedapproximately 0.08 years, or about one month, per one-year earlier menopause

Why this verdict

Supported. The profile reports that meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies found each one-year earlier age at menopause was associated with higher EAA, strongest for GrimAge, with β = -0.08 years and 95% CI -0.11 to -0.05. The story’s conversion to about one month is a reasonable rendering of 0.08 years.

1

Study evidence

Earlier age at menopause is associated with higher epigenetic age acceleration (EAA); association strongest for GrimAge in pooled cross-sectional studies.GrimAge: β = -0.08 years per one-year earlier menopause (95% CI -0.11 to -0.05); pooled n = 5,920

“Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies showed each one-year earlier age at menopause was significantly associated with higher EAA, strongest in GrimAge (n = 5920, β=-0.08 years, 95% CI: -0.11, -0.05).”
2

Study evidence

The authors report that associations between aspects of reproductive history and higher epigenetic age acceleration were detected particularly with 2nd-generation DNAm clocks (PhenoAge, GrimAge) based on cross-study synthesis.

“These findings highlight that aspects of reproductive history are cross-sectionally associated with higher EAA, particularly measured with 2nd generation DNAm clocks (PhenoAge, GrimAge).”
Claim 7 of 8SupportedUsing PhenoAge, each additional pregnancy or delivery was associated with about 0.13 years, or 1.6 months, of higher epigenetic age acceleration, though findings varied across studies and DNA methylation clocks.View evidenceHide evidence

As statedabout 0.13 years, or 1.6 months, per additional pregnancy or delivery

Why this verdict

Supported with wording caveat. The profile reports that parity was associated with higher PhenoAge EAA, β = 0.13 years per delivery, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.21, and notes clock-specific variation. The paper profile frames the exposure as parity/delivery rather than broadly as pregnancy, but the stated magnitude and caveated interpretation are consistent with the profile.

1

Study evidence

Earlier age at menopause is associated with higher epigenetic age acceleration (EAA); association strongest for GrimAge in pooled cross-sectional studies.GrimAge: β = -0.08 years per one-year earlier menopause (95% CI -0.11 to -0.05); pooled n = 5,920

“Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies showed each one-year earlier age at menopause was significantly associated with higher EAA, strongest in GrimAge (n = 5920, β=-0.08 years, 95% CI: -0.11, -0.05).”
2

Study evidence

The authors report that associations between aspects of reproductive history and higher epigenetic age acceleration were detected particularly with 2nd-generation DNAm clocks (PhenoAge, GrimAge) based on cross-study synthesis.

“These findings highlight that aspects of reproductive history are cross-sectionally associated with higher EAA, particularly measured with 2nd generation DNAm clocks (PhenoAge, GrimAge).”
Claim 8 of 8SupportedNo consistent association was found between age at first menstruation and biological age acceleration.View evidenceHide evidence

Why this verdict

Supported. The profile states that no relationship was found between age at menarche and EAA in any DNAm clocks.

1

Study evidence

Each one-year earlier age at menopause was associated with higher epigenetic age acceleration; meta-analysis strongest in GrimAge.GrimAge: β = -0.08 years per year earlier (95% CI -0.11 to -0.05); n = 5,920

“Biological age measured by DNA methylation clocks and reproductive history: Systematic review and meta-analysis”
2

Study evidence

Earlier age at menopause is associated with higher epigenetic age acceleration (EAA); association strongest for GrimAge in pooled cross-sectional studies.GrimAge: β = -0.08 years per one-year earlier menopause (95% CI -0.11 to -0.05); pooled n = 5,920

“Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies showed each one-year earlier age at menopause was significantly associated with higher EAA, strongest in GrimAge (n = 5920, β=-0.08 years, 95% CI: -0.11, -0.05).”
Then look for missing context

Context layer

What the story carried across

Nothing material from the study was dropped.

8 things the story did carry across
  • The paper is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 studies including 550,550 female participants assessing reproductive-history exposures and DNAm clock-derived EAA.
  • Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies found earlier age at menopause associated with higher EAA, strongest for GrimAge, β = -0.08 years per one-year earlier menopause.
  • Parity/delivery was associated with higher PhenoAge EAA, β = 0.13 years per delivery.
  • Age at menarche showed no relationship with EAA across DNAm clocks.
  • Across studies, preterm birth was consistently associated with higher EAA, but the abstract profile does not provide pooled effect sizes or detailed directionality for pregnancy-time EAA prediction.
  • Findings for pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes were mixed across studies.
  • Associations were particularly apparent using second-generation DNAm clocks, especially PhenoAge and GrimAge.
  • Most reported associations are cross-sectional, limiting causal inference.
Then read the study layer

Study layer

Study at a glance

Scan the study first. Expand only the parts you want to inspect.

Pieces of work

3

Evidence read

study summary

Lead result

secondary data

1Lead resultsecondary dataQuantitatively pool (meta-analyze) effect estimates for selected reproductive-history exposures and DNAm clock outcomes (e.g., age at menopause with GrimAge EAA; parity with PhenoAge EAA; menarche with EAA).Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studiesExpand

In plain English

Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies pooled effect estimates linking reproductive-history exposures (age at menopause, age at menarche, parity) with DNA methylation clock–derived epigenetic age acceleration (EAA). The pooled results reported: each one-year earlier age at menopause was associated with higher EAA (strongest for GrimAge, n=5,920, β = -0.08 years per year earlier, 95% CI -0.11 to -0.05); no relationship was found between age at menarche and EAA across clocks; and parity was positively associated with PhenoAge EAA (n=4,508, β = 0.13 years per delivery, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.21).

Key findings

  • Earlier age at menopause is associated with higher epigenetic age acceleration (EAA); association strongest for GrimAge in pooled cross-sectional studies.GrimAge: β = -0.08 years per one-year earlier menopause (95% CI -0.11 to -0.05); pooled n = 5,920
  • Age at menarche showed no relationship with epigenetic age acceleration across DNAm clocks in pooled analyses.
“Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies showed each one-year earlier age at menopause was significantly associated with higher EAA, strongest in GrimAge (n = 5920, β=-0.08 years, 95% CI: -0.11, -0.05).”
What this piece can’t prove
  • Pooled analyses are restricted to cross-sectional studies, limiting causal interpretation.
  • Abstract does not report how many studies contributed to each pooled estimate or their study-level characteristics (age distributions, geographic settings, covariate adjustment).

2 further details could not be confirmed from the summary.

2secondary dataSynthesize evidence on associations between reproductive history exposures (e.g., age at menopause/menarche, parity, preterm birth, pregnancy complications) and epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) measured by DNA methylation clocks.Systematic review and meta-analysisExpand

In plain English

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 studies (total n=550,550; reported median mean age 35.4 years, 100% female) evaluating associations between reproductive history exposures (age at menopause, age at menarche, parity, preterm birth, pregnancy complications, adverse birth outcomes) and DNA methylation clock–derived epigenetic age acceleration (EAA). Across included studies, preterm birth and earlier age at menopause were consistently associated with higher EAA, while findings for age at menarche, pregnancy complications, and adverse birth outcomes were mixed. Meta-analyses of cross-sectional studies identified (1) each one-year earlier age at menopause associated with higher EAA (strongest for GrimAge: β = -0.08 years per year earlier, 95% CI -0.11 to -0.05; n = 5,920) and (2) parity associated with higher EAA using PhenoAge (β = 0.13 years per delivery, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.21; n = 4,508). No relationship was found between age at menarche and EAA in any DNAm clocks. The authors note associations were particularly evident using second-generation DNAm clocks (PhenoAge, GrimAge).

Key findings

  • Each one-year earlier age at menopause was associated with higher epigenetic age acceleration; meta-analysis strongest in GrimAge.GrimAge: β = -0.08 years per year earlier (95% CI -0.11 to -0.05); n = 5,920
  • Parity was associated with higher epigenetic age acceleration when measured with PhenoAge.PhenoAge: β = 0.13 years per delivery (95% CI 0.04 to 0.21); n = 4,508
“Biological age measured by DNA methylation clocks and reproductive history: Systematic review and meta-analysis”
What this piece can’t prove
  • Most reported associations are cross-sectional (review/meta-analysis reports cross-sectional associations).
  • Abstract does not report detailed risk-of-bias assessments, heterogeneity metrics, or study selection/search strategy details.
3secondary dataCompare patterns/consistency of associations across different DNAm clocks (including emphasis on 2nd-generation clocks such as PhenoAge and GrimAge) and study designs (notably cross-sectional).secondary data comparative synthesisExpand

In plain English

Secondary synthesis of 29 studies (550,550 participants, all female) indicates that certain aspects of reproductive history are cross-sectionally associated with epigenetic age acceleration (EAA). Earlier age at menopause and preterm birth showed more consistent associations with higher EAA. Meta-analyses reported that each one-year earlier age at menopause was significantly associated with higher EAA, with the strongest signal observed using the GrimAge clock (n = 5,920; reported β = -0.08 years, 95% CI -0.11 to -0.05). Parity was associated with higher EAA when measured by PhenoAge (n = 4,508; reported β = 0.13 years per delivery, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.21). No relationship was found between age at menarche and EAA; findings for pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes were mixed. The authors emphasize that associations were detected particularly with 2nd-generation DNAm clocks (PhenoAge, GrimAge), an interpretive cross-clock comparison derived from the compiled results.

Key findings

  • The authors report that associations between aspects of reproductive history and higher epigenetic age acceleration were detected particularly with 2nd-generation DNAm clocks (PhenoAge, GrimAge) based on cross-study synthesis.
  • Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies found that each one-year earlier age at menopause was significantly associated with higher EAA, with the strongest pooled association observed using the GrimAge clock.GrimAge: β = -0.08 years per year earlier (95% CI: -0.11, -0.05); n = 5,920
“These findings highlight that aspects of reproductive history are cross-sectionally associated with higher EAA, particularly measured with 2nd generation DNAm clocks (PhenoAge, GrimAge).”
What this piece can’t prove
  • The unit represents an interpretive, cross-clock comparison synthesized from the included studies rather than a distinct primary analysis; the abstract provides limited clock-specific detail for all exposures.
  • Most reported associations are cross-sectional; causal interpretation is limited.
  • Abstract lacks full reporting of adjustment covariates, heterogeneity statistics, and study-level contributors for many of the reported associations.
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