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Genetics of reproductive lifespan

Five genome-wide association studies of the timing of menarche and menopause have now taken us beyond the range of candidate gene and linkage studies. The list of new genetic associations identified for these two traits should shed light on the mechanisms of ovarian aging, as well as breast cancer and other diseases associated with reproductive lifespan.

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Figure 1: Potential health impacts of ovarian aging.

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Hartge, P. Genetics of reproductive lifespan. Nat Genet 41, 637–638 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/ng0609-637

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