Duration of estrogen exposure during reproductive years, age at menarche and age at menopause, and risk of cardiovascular disease events, all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
SR Mishra, Hsin‐Fang Chung, Michael Waller, GD Mishra
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the estrogen exposure measurement and mutual effect of age at menarche and age at menopause in the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate estrogen exposure measurement and describe mutual effect of age at menarche and age at menopause in the risk of CVD events. SEARCH STRATEGY: Systematic review of literature in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for studies published up to 28 June 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA: Observational studies related to estrogen exposure measurement, including mutual effect of age at menarche and age at menopause and risk of CVD events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Synthesis of evidence was conducted by reviewing individual estimates, followed by meta-analysis. The study received no external funding. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 75 studies were included in synthesis of evidence, of which 17 studies were included in meta-analysis. Reproductive lifespan (age at menopause - age at menarche), endogenous estrogen exposure and total estrogen exposure were used for estrogen exposure measurement. Reproductive lifespan was by far the most commonly used method for estrogen exposure measurement. A shorter reproductive lifespan was associated with a higher risk of CVD events; the pooled relative risk (95% CI) was 1.31 (1.25-1.36) for stroke events. Robust epidemiological studies with measurement of estrogen exposure and associated health risk would strengthen the evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Reproductive lifespan was the most commonly used method for estrogen exposure measurement in epidemiological studies. A shorter reproductive lifespan was associated with a higher risk of CVD events, particularly stroke. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: A systematic review and meta-analysis found that women with a shorter reproductive lifespan have a higher risk of stroke events.