A common polymorphism within the steroid 5-alpha-reductase type 2 gene and timing of menopause in Caucasian women

Objective: Androgens are thought to play an important role in various reproductive functions. We evaluated the association between a common polymorphism of the steroid 5-alpha-reductase type 2 gene (SRD5A2) involved in androgen metabolism and the timing of menopause. Study design: Three hundred and twenty-three consecutive women were included in this cross-sectional study. The common exon 1 Valine/ Leucin polymorphism of the SRD5A2 gene was analyzed using a microarray-based system. Results: No significant association between the SRD5A2 polymorphism and age (years)at natural menopause was ascertained. There were no significant differences in the background characteristics of the subjects among SDR5A2 genotypes including the number of full term pregnancies, age at first delivery, BMI, personal or family history of breast cancer, smoking status and personal history of recurrent abortion. A multivariate regression analysis showed that the number of full term pregnancies, but not smoking, an increased body mass index, or a history of breast cancer significantly influenced timing of natural menopause. Conclusion: In the present study the number of full term pregnancies, but not the common V89L SRD5A2 polymorphism, is the only significant predictor for the timing of natural menopause in Caucasian women. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.