Menopause May Trigger Widespread Changes Across Multiple Body Systems, Large-Scale Study Finds

Menopause is the natural stage in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop because ovarian reproductive activity declines. The transition is associated with changes in oestrogen and other hormones, but its effects extend beyond the reproductive system.

Researchers developed a computational method to examine biological changes in relation to the timing of the final menstrual period rather than relying only on chronological age.

The study analysed more than 300 million laboratory measurements from over one million women across two independent datasets. The researchers identified a pronounced physiological transition around the final menstrual period.

Changes were observed in several body systems, including hormone regulation, bone-related measurements, liver function, kidney-related indicators and lipid profiles. The study also found that some changes began more than a decade before the final menstrual period.

The researchers reported that the observed physiological shifts appeared less pronounced among women using menopausal hormone therapy. However, this does not mean that hormone therapy is appropriate for every woman or that the study establishes a universal treatment recommendation.

The findings support a broader understanding of menopause as a whole-body biological transition. They may help guide future research into monitoring long-term health during midlife and after menopause.