University of Exeter

Academic Institute

Anna MurrayJohn Perry

B3889

We are studying how the reproductive system ages in women, with the aim of improving fertility treatment and giving women better information about their likely reproductive lifespan. Fertility in women declines with age as the number of eggs in their ovaries decreases over time. When there are almost no eggs left a woman will go through menopause and periods stop. The timing of menopause varies between women, some going through it in their 20s, while others continue having periods into their 60s. We are investigating the factors that govern this variation in menopause age and aim to be able to predict it better, which will allow women to make informed choices about their reproduction. We know that genetic factors are important and so far we have identified around 300 genes that are involved in the variation in the timing of menopause. In this study we want to test proteins present in the blood to see if any of these are different in women who go through menopause early. ALSPAC is ideal for this study because there are samples available from young women, the mums and children and information has been collected or will be collected over the course of our study, about menopause.

We hope to be able to develop a predictive screen for young women and couples going through IVF to inform them of their ovarian reserve and therefore direct better treatment. Secondly the proteomic data and questionnaire data collected will be a useful addition to the ALSPAC resource for other groups to use.

18/10/2021