Research on women’s violence exposure is essential and necessary as the Covid-19 pandemic has seen a surge in the rates of intimate partner violence and child abuse. A new study reveals that a woman’s collective violence exposure speeds up reproductive ageing to result in an earlier age of menopause. Findings of the search were published in the article ‘Association between intergenerational violence exposure and maternal age of menopause’ in ‘Menopause’, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
Newer research additionally revealed its connection with the pace of reproductive ageing. Early menopause, particularly before age 45, is associated with increased risks of heart disease, osteoporosis, and premature death. Additionally, studies have shown that childhood sexual and physical abuse is associated with earlier menarche. Associations between violence and accelerated reproductive ageing in the early and later life course of women are believed to work through the disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the body’s response to stress.
Dr Stephanie Faubion, NAMS medical director, said, “This study underscores the devastating effect of exposure to violence that is known to affect subsequent generations. The health-related burden of intergenerational violence is substantial and includes the possibility of early-onset menopause and the associated potential long-term adverse health outcomes. Addressing this issue will require the involvement of multiple sectors and necessitate social change, as well as updated policies and education.”
