Menopause and heredity – the role of genes

During my pregnancy with my first child, I interviewed my mother about her experience and knowledge of both pregnancy and childbirth. I asked many questions and prepared myself for my delivery. With great fascination, I listened to the story of my own birth, aware that certain aspects of pregnancy and childbirth can be hereditary. Childbirth and pregnancy eventually became something I worked with for many years, both as a doula (the Greek word for a support woman before, during, and after childbirth) and a childbirth education instructor. Now, after having given birth to four children and at the age of 50, I am approaching menopause. But it was actually only today that I asked my mother about her experiences with menopause. Honestly, I don’t understand why I waited so long. Of course, I have acquired a tremendous amount of knowledge in various ways and feel partly prepared, but facing menopause is also a bit like waiting for a guest whom you know will definitely knock on the door one day, but you have no clue when. My mother’s experiences with menopause do not mean that mine will be the same. Each generation also has its unique "menopause tips" and recommendations to relate to. Understanding how menopause can be influenced by both our genes and our lifestyles is like solving a huge puzzle. My mother’s story has given me some valuable puzzle pieces in my own preparation for this phase of life. Research suggests that certain symptoms and experiences may be genetically determined, which underscores the importance of sharing and comparing these personal stories. By collecting these stories, we can gain a deeper understanding of how menopause can differ between generations, while also acknowledging the unique challenges and experiences each woman faces ❤️

Find out if you are in perimenopause/menopause!

You can find the VagiVital Menopause FSH Test here!

OUR GENES MATTER 

Our genetic code is like a book filled with mysteries, and within each chapter are clues about our health, our appearance, and even when life’s major changes, such as menopause, might occur. Research has long tried to understand these clues, and a groundbreaking 2015 study published in "Nature Genetics" has succeeded in shedding light on this very area.

In this in-depth investigation, the research team from InterLACE, an international research network dedicated to women’s health, took a closer look at the genome of over 70,000 women. Using cutting-edge technology to map genes, 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 essential toolboxes that control everything from how we repair DNA damage to how effectively our immune system functions.

 🌸 Why is this important? 
First of all, it shows a direct link between our genes and when we enter menopause. It provides scientific support for the idea that our genetic makeup influences the timing of this significant life change. If you have ever wondered why some women experience menopause earlier than others, the answer may partly lie in their DNA. Our genetic "toolboxes" are central to the body’s ability to repair damaged DNA, an ongoing process that keeps our cells healthy and functioning. When these systems work optimally, they can contribute to a later onset of menopause. On the other hand, if there are genetic variations that affect these processes, it can lead to an earlier menopause.

🌸 What does this mean for you? 
If your mother or grandmother entered menopause at an early age, it may be an indication that you also have a genetic predisposition for this. It is not an absolute prediction, but a possible clue to your own bodily journey through life. But knowledge also gives power. By understanding that our genes play a role in menopause, we can become more attentive to other factors we can control, such as our lifestyle, diet, and physical activity, to support our body as best as possible through this transition. Research in genetics and menopause is still in an expansive phase, and every new discovery contributes to a deeper understanding of how we can navigate this phase with greater awareness and preparation. By embracing both science and our individual journey, we can face menopause with openness and readiness, prepared to take care of our body and soul in the best possible way ❤️.

Read the blog Find out if you are in perimenopause here!

FAMILY HISTORY TELLS PART OF THE STORY 

Family history is like a treasure map filled with clues about our health, our traits, and even our future. When it comes to menopause, this "family map" can give us valuable insights into what we might expect. A fascinating study published in "Human Reproduction Update" gives scientific weight to this idea by exploring the connection between family history and the age at which menopause occurs.

Research shows that if your mother or sister entered menopause at an early age, you are more likely to do so as well. This concept, known as genetic predisposition, means that certain aspects of our health and biological processes are inherited. So, 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 begins.

🌸 Why family history is important
This insight is not just an interesting anecdote about how genetics work; it has practical applications for how we understand and plan our own health. By knowing our family history, we can become more proactive in how we take care of our health. If we know there is a trend of early menopause in our family, we might also consider earlier changes in our lifestyle to mitigate any health risks that may be associated with early menopause. Gathering this information may require some detective work. Talking to female relatives about their experiences with menopause can provide valuable clues. It’s not just about asking questions, but also about creating an open dialogue around women’s health, something that historically may not always have been discussed openly. Sharing knowledge and experience about menopause with our daughters is also a valuable gift to the next generation of women ❤️

Read the blog about being a menopause woman here https://vagivital.se/blogs/news/jag-ar-en-klimaxterie-karring 

🌸 Part of a bigger picture
However, it is important to remember that family history is only part of the puzzle. Lifestyle factors, environment, and other non-genetic factors also play a major role in when and how we experience menopause. But having this family history gives us a strong starting point for understanding our own unique health profile. By sharing our experience of menopause with women around us and exploring our older female relatives’ insights about menopause, we can help ourselves and our sisters navigate with greater awareness and preparation, ready to face menopause with more knowledge and confidence. Is there a woman in your family you would like to ask questions about menopause, or perhaps you yourself have personal experiences that could help younger women who are approaching or are in the middle of menopause?

🌸 What this means for you
This means that even though we cannot change our genetic code, we still have some control over our bodily and hormonal health through the choices we make every day. Choosing to quit smoking, eating a balanced and nutritious diet, and staying active are all ways we can positively influence our experience of menopause. Caring for good sleep and reducing stress are also factors that can make a big difference. And perhaps above all, being kind to ourselves ❤. Many of us have been "good girls" for most of our lives, sometimes putting others’ needs before our own. Taking care of yourself also means being able to set boundaries and maybe start reflecting on our own needs. It can be something as simple as treating yourself to an extra long morning sleep (if we have the luxury to sleep 😏) or saying no to things we know will drain our energy.

Read the blog about menopause and sleep here!

How each of us handles menopause is individual, but generally, I believe in the principle that if something feels good, it is good, and if it doesn’t feel good, it probably isn’t. 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 puzzle piece to the big menopause puzzle ❤️

Sharing our stories creates a bridge of understanding and support between generations. It is a way to honor the knowledge and wisdom that older women carry and to empower those who come after us. It creates a sense of community and belonging and reminds us that we are not alone on our journey. So take the opportunity to ask questions to the older women in your life. Their experiences are truly a gift filled with valuable insight and wisdom ❤️

Take care & Stay Pussytive ❤️
/Fanny Falkman Grinndal
Business Manager Nordics
Peptonic Medical AB
fanny.falkman-grinndal@peptonicmedical.se