Menopause age linked to BMI, reproductive and lifestyle factors in Iranian women
In a cross-sectional survey of 400 postmenopausal women in northwest Iran, mean age at natural menopause was 49.98 years; menopause age was associated with BMI, reproductive factors and lifestyle scores. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The cross-sectional study surveyed 400 postmenopausal women at health centers in northwest Iran between March and December 2024. [1]
Mean age at natural menopause was 49.98 ± 2.62 years. [1]
Menopause age was associated with BMI, reproductive factors and lifestyle, but longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Cross-sectional study (abstract)
- Population / context
- 400 postmenopausal women attending health centers affiliated with Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, northwest Iran.
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- October 1, 2026
Survey of 400 postmenopausal women in Ardabil
This cross-sectional study ran from March to December 2024 among 400 eligible postmenopausal women attending health centers affiliated with Ardabil University of Medical Sciences in northwest Iran. Participants were chosen by cluster random sampling. Data came from a questionnaire on demographic and reproductive characteristics and the Lifestyle Questionnaire. Analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation and multivariable regression.
Supporting source [1]
Mean menopause age 49.98 years; several associations
The mean age at natural menopause was 49.98 ± 2.62 years. Most participants were housewives (78%) and had low economic status (76%). Menopause age was significantly associated with BMI (p = 0.001), number of abortions (p = 0.043), breastfeeding duration (p = 0.006), gravidity (p = 0.030) and contraceptive use (p = 0.050). Lifestyle score correlated positively with menopause age (p = 0.001). Multivariable regression identified BMI and lifestyle dimensions such as weight control, nutrition, psychological, spiritual, social and environmental health and accident prevention as significant predictors.
Supporting source [1]
Cross-sectional design cannot confirm causes
The authors conclude that natural menopause age was associated with reproductive characteristics, BMI and lifestyle factors. They suggest that promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors may support healthy reproductive aging. However, they state that prospective longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings and clarify underlying mechanisms. Because the design is cross-sectional, the reported associations do not establish that any factor causes earlier or later menopause.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. This is a cross-sectional study, so associations do not show causation, and the authors call for prospective longitudinal studies.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Gholampour-Nooran A, Azari M, Mardi A, Abdoli F. · europepmc.org · October 1, 2026