Dark connection

Christchurch researchers have discovered a ground-breaking link between childhood sexual abuse and early menopause.

- Nicky Pellegrino

Experiencing childhood sexual abuse has consequences for survivors later in life. As well as an increased likelihood of mood and anxiety disorders, there is a higher prevalence of obesity and other chronic health problems. Some studies have found that childhood maltreatment can affect reproductive development, in particular the age at which menstruation begins.

Now ground-breaking research from the University of Otago, Christchurch, has linked early sexual abuse with a higher chance of an early menopause.

Dr Geri McLeod and her team made the discovery while delving into data from the Christchurch Health and Development Study. This longitudinal research project has followed the same group of people since their births in 1977. As they were turning 40, almost 500 women involved had details of their menopause status recorded.

"There is not much information around the menopause transition in New Zealand," explains McLeod. “So initially we were looking for a general overview of what is happening; a snapshot at age 40."

They were interested in assessing, not only where participants were at in their menopause status, but also any predictors of an early menopause. Some findings were expected, such as the link between early age at natural menopause and low socioeconomic position, which has been seen in previous studies.

“But also, unexpectedly, we found those reporting sexual abuse in childhood had an increased risk of entering the menopause transition by age 40, in particular those who reported severe sexual abuse," says McLeod. “They entered menopause at twice the rate of those who hadn't reported such abuse."