A shorter reproductive life span, determined by a woman's age at menarche and menopause, has been associated with several adverse health effects, including cardiovascular disease and mortality . However, it is unclear if the reproductive period is also associated with a decline in muscle mass and strength among postmenopausal women. In a recent study involving more than 2,300 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 75 years, it was found that the more extended the reproductive period, the lower the risk of a decline in muscle mass and strength as defined by handgrip strength.
Further, the age at menopause was found to be associated with low handgrip strength; however, no relationship was observed between age at menarche and low handgrip strength. Thus, the findings of this study indicate that a longer reproductive period is associated with a decreased risk of low handgrip strength in…
