Reporter brief

A meta-analysis of 29 studies (550,550 female participants) examined associations between reproductive history and DNA methylation clocks, which estimate epigenetic age acceleration. Earlier age at menopause was significantly associated with higher epigenetic age (β=−0.08 years per year earlier for GrimAge), and higher parity was associated with increased epigenetic age (β=0.13 years per delivery for PhenoAge). Age at menarche showed no consistent relationship with epigenetic age across clock types.

Assessment pending; this report does not establish a change in evidence.

• —Limitations have not been recorded; consult the primary source.

Meta analysis; Human.

29 studies of female participants (100% female) with median mean age 35.4 years (IQR: 30.3-62.7)

Design

Meta analysis

Sample

550,550

Journal

Mechanisms of ageing and development

Published

Sep 14, 2026

For age at menopause and GrimAge: β=-0.08 years per one-year earlier menopause (95% CI: -0.11, -0.05, n=5920). For parity and PhenoAge: β=0.13 years per delivery (95% CI: 0.04, 0.21, n=4508)

• —Assessment: Superseded.
• —Only the source material recorded on this evidence page was assessed.

Mixed findings across studies for age at menarche, pregnancy complications, and adverse birth outcomes. No relationship found between age at menarche and EAA in any DNAm clocks

See the Epigenetic clocks timeline and recorded assessment for prior evidence.