Age at Natural Menopause and Associated Lifestyle and Reproductive Factors Among Postmenopausal Women in Northwest Iran: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Alireza Gholampour‐Nooran, Mahnaz Azari, Afrouz Mardi, Fatemeh AbdoliABSTRACT
Background
Natural menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive lifespan and has important implications for long‐term health. The timing of natural menopause is associated with several health outcomes and is influenced by reproductive, anthropometric, and lifestyle factors. This study investigated age at natural menopause (ANM) and its associated lifestyle and reproductive determinants among postmenopausal women.
Methods
This cross‐sectional study was conducted between March and December 2024 among 400 eligible postmenopausal women attending health centers affiliated with Ardabil University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected using cluster random sampling. Data were collected using a demographic and reproductive characteristics questionnaire and the Lifestyle Questionnaire (LSQ). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent t ‐test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and multivariable regression using SPSS version 21.
Results
The mean ANM was 49.98 ± 2.62 years. Most participants were housewives (78%) and had low economic status (76%). Significant associations were found between menopause age and 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 showed a positive correlation with menopause age ( p = 0.001). Multivariable regression identified BMI and lifestyle dimensions, including weight control and nutrition, psychological, spiritual, social, environmental health, and accident prevention, as significant predictors of ANM.
Conclusion
Natural menopause age was associated with reproductive characteristics, BMI, and lifestyle factors. Promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors may support healthy reproductive aging. However, prospective longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings and clarify underlying mechanisms.