Earlier menopause and higher parity associated with increased epigenetic age in meta-analysis of 29 studies
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.
What this changes
The finding has not established an approved change to our evidence assessment.
Source date: Sep 14, 2026 · Discovered: Sep 15, 2026 · Assessed: — · Research update
What it does not prove
- Limitations have not yet been verified. Read the primary source.
Extracted from supplied source material; model confidence is not a measured probability of correctness.
Study details
- Design
- Meta analysis
- Sample size
- 550,550
- Duration
- —
- Population
- 29 studies of female participants (100% female) with median mean age 35.4 years (IQR: 30.3-62.7)
- Primary outcome
- Association between reproductive history and epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) measured by DNA methylation clocks
- Effect size
- 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)
- Significance
- Mixed
- Journal
- Mechanisms of ageing and development
- Published
- Sep 14, 2026
Conflicts: 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
Sources
Primary source
- Mechanisms of ageing and development ↗Peer reviewed
Assessment history
9/23/2026 · SUPERSEDED: Source updated; assessment withdrawn pending review.
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