What explains the link between reproductive events and women's longevity

Abstract

Introduction: Several investigations have shown a link between older age at last birth and extreme longevity. The latest study in the current issue of Menopause found that women giving birth to their last child beyond age 33 years had twice the odds of being in the top 5% of survival. Consistent with these results, age at final menstrual period (FMP) also has been shown to predict subsequent mortality, with lower mortality in women with older age at FMP. FMP results from a loss of ovarian follicles, which presumably also affects age at last birth. Of the few studies investigating the relationship between age at last birth and age at FMP, several —though not all —have indicated a positive association. Thus, a similar set of factors may explain the link between age at last birth and longevity and the link between age at FMP and subsequent morbidity/mortality.