Timing of menarche and menopause and epigenetic aging among U.S. adults: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002

Reproductive aging, including timing of menarche and menopause, influences long-term morbidity and mortality in women, yet underlying biological mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using DNA methylation-based biomarkers, we assessed associations of age at menarche ( N  = 1,033) and menopause ( N  = 658) with epigenetic aging in a nationally representative sample of women ≥ 50 years. Later age at menopause was associated with lower GrimAge epigenetic age deviation ( B = − 0.10 years, 95% CI: − 0.19, − 0.02). No associations were observed for menarche timing. This suggests a connection between earlier menopause and biological aging, with potential clinical implications for identifying those at high risk for age-related disease.