Genetic evidence that lower circulating FSH levels lengthen menstrual cycle, increase age at menopause and impact female reproductive health.

ABSTRACT:

Study question

How does a genetic variant in the FSHB promoter, known to alter FSH levels, impact female reproductive health?

Summary answer

The T allele of the FSHB promoter polymorphism (rs10835638; c.-211G>T) results in longer menstrual cycles and later menopause and, while having detrimental effects on fertility, is protective against endometriosis.

What is known already

The FSHB promoter polymorphism (rs10835638; c.-211G>T) affects levels of FSHB transcription and, as a result, circulating levels of FSH. FSH is required for normal fertility and genetic variants at the FSHB locus are associated with age at menopause and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Study design, size, duration

We used cross-sectional data from the UK Biobank to look at associations bet

SUBMITTER: Ruth KS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4716809 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature