title: Possible factors affecting the age at menopause among women in the central anatolian region of Turkey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to investigate the age at menopause and possible related factors in a Turkish population.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a three-year period, a retrospective analysis of 541 spontaneous menopause cases were evaluated. All postmenopausal women with spontaneous cessation of menses for > or = 12 months and serum FSH levels > 40 IU/l were included in the study. Sociodemographic status, reproductive and medical history, menopausal symptoms, and previous contraceptive and hormonal therapy use were assessed based on an interview using a standardized information system. Age at menarche, parity, menopausal age of mother and sister, history of lactation, physical activity, cigarette smoking, oral contraceptive use and body mass index (BMI) were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Menopausal age of the enrolled cases was positively correlated with mothers and sisters' ages at menopause. Postmenopausal smokers had an earlier age at menopause compared to non-smokers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cigarette smoking results in earlier menopause in the Turkish population. Menopausal ages of mothers and sisters clearly correlated with the age at menopause.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hassa
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Tanir
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tekin
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Senses
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Oge
authors.forename: F S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Mutlu
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012907:Smoking / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014421:Turkey