Meta-analyses identify 13 loci associated with age at menopause and highlight DNA repair and immune pathways.

To newly identify loci for age at natural menopause, we carried out a meta-analysis of 22 genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in 38,968 women of European descent, with replication in up to 14,435 women. In addition to four known loci, we identified 13 loci newly associated with age at natural menopause (at P < 5 × 10(-8)). Candidate genes located at these newly associated loci include genes implicated in DNA repair (EXO1, HELQ, UIMC1, FAM175A, FANCI, TLK1, POLG and PRIM1) and immune function (IL11, NLRP11 and PRRC2A (also known as BAT2)).

Depression after low-energy fracture in older women predicts future falls: a prospective observational study.

Background: Falls are one of the main causes of fractures in elderly people and after a recent fracture, the risk of another fall is increased, resulting in subsequent fracture. Therefore, risk factors for future falls should be determined. We prospectively investigated the relationship between depression and the incidence of falls in post-menopausal women after a low-energy fracture.

Hormone therapy and coronary heart disease risk by vasomotor menopausal symptoms.

Objectives: We examined whether the association between hormone therapy (HT) use and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk differed between women with and without vasomotor symptoms (VMS).

Study Design: We used data from a Dutch (EPOS) and Swedish (WHILA) population-based sample of 8865 women, aged 46-64 years, and free of CHD, stroke, venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism or cancer at baseline. Data on HT use, VMS and potential confounders were collected by questionnaires.

Vasomotor menopausal symptoms are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease.

Objective: Emerging evidence suggests that women with vasomotor menopausal symptoms (VMS) may have an adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile. We investigated whether VMS are related to an increased risk of future coronary heart disease (CHD) and whether possible associations can be explained by CVD risk factors.

Methods: Data used were from a Dutch and Swedish population-based sample of 10,787 women enrolled between 1995 and 2000, aged 46 to 64 years, and free of CVD at baseline.

Vasomotor symptoms are associated with a lower bone mineral density.

Objective: The severity of vasomotor symptoms has been hypothesized to be linked to a lower bone mineral density (BMD). We examined whether women with vasomotor symptoms are different from women without symptoms with regard to BMD.

Methods: We used data from a population-based sample of 5,600 women, aged 46 to 57 years and free from bone diseases, who participated in the first cross-sectional part of the Eindhoven Perimenopausal Osteoporosis Study between 1994 and 1995.