Hey there, did you know that women who go through menopause later might have a higher risk of getting breast cancer? Yep, researchers from the Universities of Cambridge and Exeter in the UK found that for every year after hitting 50, the risk goes up by 6%. So, why does this happen? Well, it’s because of estrogen, a hormone that can fuel tumors. The longer you’re exposed to it, the higher the risk.

But here’s the thing: if you’re one of those women who’s going through menopause later, you need to be extra vigilant. Keep an eye out for any early signs of breast cancer, because catching it early can make a big difference.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. These researchers think they can develop genetic tests to predict when a woman will go through menopause. They studied the DNA of nearly 70,000 women from Europe and found 44 genes linked to the timing of menopause. That’s pretty cool, right?

But that’s not all. They also found out something that could help younger women too. Turns out, most of these genes are involved in repairing damaged bits of DNA in women’s ovaries, keeping them healthy. If these genes get damaged, it can lead to the eggs dying off faster, which speeds up menopause.

So, understanding these genes better could lead to developing drugs to keep younger women’s eggs healthy. Imagine that! It’s like giving your ovaries a little boost to stay in top shape. Exciting stuff, isn’t it?