Possible factors affecting the age at menopause among women in the central anatolian region of Turkey.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the age at menopause and possible related factors in a Turkish population.

Study Design: In a three-year period, a retrospective analysis of 541 spontaneous menopause cases were evaluated. All postmenopausal women with spontaneous cessation of menses for > or = 12 months and serum FSH levels > 40 IU/l were included in the study. Sociodemographic status, reproductive and medical history, menopausal symptoms, and previous contraceptive and hormonal therapy use were assessed based on an interview using a standardized information system. Age at menarche, parity, menopausal age of mother and sister, history of lactation, physical activity, cigarette smoking, oral contraceptive use and body mass index (BMI) were assessed.

Results: Menopausal age of the enrolled cases was positively correlated with mothers and sisters' ages at menopause. Postmenopausal smokers had an earlier age at menopause compared to non-smokers.

Conclusion: Cigarette smoking results in earlier menopause in the Turkish population. Menopausal ages of mothers and sisters clearly correlated with the age at menopause.