Menopause is for many women an inevitable phase in which the ovaries stop releasing eggs and the production of hormones, such as oestrogen, decreases. This can increase health risks, for example for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Scientists are therefore actively looking for ways to better understand and influence this transition.
At the Buck Institute, researcher Deena Emera focuses on a peculiar question: why do humans and a few whale species experience menopause, while many other animals do not? By studying how animal reproductive systems age, she is trying to discover genetic and molecular mechanisms that might also help extend reproductive lifespan in humans.
With a recent grant, Emera can delve deeper into the comparison between human genes and those of long-lived animals, such as certain whales. After all, some animals possess enhanced DNA repair processes, which keep their reproductive system vital for longer. The goal is to find out whether such natural strategies are also applicable to humans.
These studies are important because they can lead to new treatments that not only prolong fertility, but also improve women's general health. Currently, options for women going through the menopause are limited and sometimes risky, for example with hormone therapy. By studying nature, scientists hope to soon be able to offer more and safer choices.
This research is a valuable step towards healthier ageing, with more control over the transition and a better quality of life for women.
Source: Buck Institute
