Menopause and genetics - what role our genes play
When I was pregnant with my first child, I did a small interview with my mother about how she handled both pregnancy and birth. That way, I asked a lot of questions and prepared myself for the birth. I was very fascinated by the story of my own birth, knowing that some aspects of pregnancy and birth can be hereditary. Pregnancy and birth eventually became something I worked with for many years, both as a doula (the Greek word for support woman before, during and after birth) and as a prophylaxis guide. Today, after giving birth to four children and at the age of 50, I'm approaching menopause. However, it was actually only today that I asked my mum about how she experienced the menopause. To be honest, I don't understand why I waited so long. Admittedly, I have acquired a lot of knowledge in various ways and feel partly prepared, but facing menopause is also a bit like waiting for a guest who you know will definitely knock on the door one day, but you have no idea when. Even though my mum has experienced menopause, it doesn't mean that I will experience it in the same way. In addition, each generation has its own unique 'menopause tips' and recommendations. Understanding how menopause can be affected by both genes and lifestyle is like putting together a big jigsaw puzzle. My mother's story has given me some valuable pieces to my own preparation for this phase of life. Research suggests that some symptoms and experiences may be genetic, which emphasizes the importance of sharing and comparing these personal stories. By collecting these stories, we can gain a deeper understanding of how menopause can vary between generations, while recognizing the unique challenges and experiences each woman faces ❤️
OUR GENES PLAY A ROLE
Our genetic code is like a book full of mysteries, with each chapter telling us something about our health, our appearance and even when major life changes, such as menopause, can occur. Scientists have long sought to understand these clues, and a groundbreaking 2015 study published in Nature Genetics has shed light on this very area.
In this in-depth study, the research team from InterLACE, an international research network dedicated to women's health, examined the genomes of more than 70,000 women. Using cutting-edge gene mapping technology, they found specific parts of our DNA, known as genetic regions or loci, that play a crucial role in the timing of menopause. These parts of our DNA are like important toolboxes that control everything from how we repair DNA damage to how efficiently our immune system works.
🌸 Why is this important?
Well, firstly, it shows a direct link between our genes and when we reach menopause. The study lends scientific support to the idea that our genetic makeup influences the timing of this important life change. So if you've ever wondered why some women reach menopause earlier than others, the answer may lie partly in their DNA. This is because our genetic 'toolbox' is crucial to our body's ability to repair damaged DNA, a continuous process that keeps our cells healthy and functioning well. If these systems are working optimally, they may contribute to the later onset of menopause. On the other hand, genetic variations that affect these processes can lead to an earlier menopause.
🌸 What does it mean to you
If you have a mother or grandmother who entered menopause early, it may be an indication that you are also genetically predisposed to this. It's not an absolute prediction, but a possible clue to your own bodily journey through life. Knowledge also empowers. By understanding that our genes play a role in menopause, we can become more aware of other factors we can control, such as lifestyle, diet and physical activity, to best support the body through this transition. Research into genetics and menopause is still in an expansive phase, and each new discovery contributes to a deeper understanding of how we can navigate through this phase in a more conscious and prepared way. By embracing both the science and our individual journey, we can face menopause with openness and preparation, ready to take care of our bodies and minds in the best possible way ❤️
Read the blog Find out if you are in premenopause here!
FAMILY HISTORY SAYS A LOT ABOUT US
Our family history is like a treasure map filled with clues about our health, our traits and even our future. Even when it comes to menopause, this 'family map' can give us valuable insight into what to expect. A fascinating study published in Human Reproduction Update adds scientific weight to this idea by examining the link between family history and the age at which menopause occurs.
The study shows that if your mother or sister entered menopause early, you are more likely to do so too. This concept, known as genetic predisposition, means that certain aspects of our health and biological processes are inherited. Just as we can inherit our mother's eye color or our father's height, we can also inherit tendencies related to reproductive health, including when menopause occurs.
🌸 Why family history is important
This is not only an interesting detail about how genetics works, but also has practical implications for how we understand and plan for our own health. With knowledge of our family history, we can become more proactive in how we take care of our health. If we know that there is a tendency for early menopause in the family, we can also consider changing our lifestyle earlier to reduce the health risks that may be associated with early menopause. Gathering this information may require some detective work. Talking to female relatives about their experiences of menopause can provide valuable clues. It's not just about asking questions, but also about creating an open dialog about women's health, something that historically may not have always been discussed openly. Sharing knowledge and experiences about menopause with our daughters is also a valuable gift to the next generation of women ❤️
🌸 Being part of a bigger picture
It is important to remember that family history is only one piece of the puzzle. Lifestyle, environment and other non-genetic factors also play an important role in determining when and how we enter menopause. But family history gives us a good starting point for understanding our own unique health profile. By sharing our experiences of menopause with women around us and exploring our older female relatives' insights into menopause, we can help ourselves and our fellow sisters navigate with greater awareness and preparation, so that we can face menopause with more knowledge and confidence. Is there a woman in your family that you would like to ask questions about menopause to, or perhaps you have personal experiences that can help younger women approaching or in the midst of menopause?
🌸 What this means for you
This means that even though we can't change our genetic code, we still have some control over our physical and hormonal health through the choices we make every day. Choosing to stop smoking, eating a balanced and nutritious diet and staying active are all ways we can influence our experience of the menopause. Good sleep and less stress are also factors that can make a big difference. And perhaps most importantly, being kind to ourselves ❤️ Many of us have been "good girls" for most of our lives, perhaps sometimes putting the needs of others before our own. Taking care of ourselves also means being able to set boundaries and perhaps start reflecting on our own needs. It can be something as simple as treating ourselves to an extra long sleep (if we have that luxury 😏) or saying no to things that we know will drain us of energy.
Read the blog about menopause and sleep here!
It's individual how we deal with menopause, but in general I believe in the principle that if something feels good, it's good, and if it doesn't feel good, it's probably not good. The importance of sharing our experiences with the younger generation of women cannot be underestimated. And sometimes it can be as simple as asking a question to a woman with experience to get another piece of the big menopause puzzle ❤️
By sharing our stories, we build a bridge of understanding and support between generations. In this way, we can honor the knowledge and wisdom of older women and empower those who come after us. It provides a sense of community and belonging and reminds us that we are not alone in our journey. So give the older women in your life the opportunity to explain, by asking questions. Their experiences are a gift filled with valuable insight and wisdom ❤️
Take care of yourself and Stay Pussytive ❤️
/Fanny Falkman Grinndal
Business Manager Nordics
Peptonic Medical AB