Association Between Female Reproductive Factors and Melanoma Risk: Analysis of NHANES 2009–2023 Data

Melanoma remains a significant public health concern, with an increasing incidence in the United States. Recent studies have explored the potential influence of female reproductive factors on melanoma risk, but findings remain inconsistent. This study utilizes nationally representative NHANES data (2009–2023) to examine the associations between estradiol levels, age at menarche, menopause age, and pregnancy history with melanoma risk. Results indicate that low estradiol levels (0–20 pg/mL) are significantly associated with an increased risk of melanoma (adjusted OR: 3.723, 95% CI: 1.495–9.275, P = 0.006), while the high estradiol group (> 750 pg/mL) lacked sufficient melanoma cases for reliable analysis. Additionally, premature menopause (< 40 years) was linked to a reduced melanoma risk (adjusted OR: 0.476, 95% CI: 0.226–1.000, P = 0.050), though early and late menopause did not demonstrate significant associations. Pregnancy history was not significantly correlated with melanoma risk. These findings offer significant insights into the hormonal influences on melanoma risk, highlighting the need for further research to unravel the underlying biological mechanisms.