Age at menopause and risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: A 14-year cohort study

Abstract

Backgrounds & aims: Menopause, characterized by a sudden decline in estrogen levels, has significant effects on women's health, especially when it occurs early. This study aimed to investigate the associations between menopausal age and incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) using a large cohort and a long-term follow-up.

Methods: Menopausal age was categorized into four groups (G1-4 [<40, 40-44, 45-49, and ≥50 years, respectively]). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess the risk of developing MAFLD during the follow-up period according to the menopausal age categories.

Results: A total of 1,888 participants were included in the final analysis and followed for a median period of 12.3 years. The unadjusted hazard ratios (95 % CIs) for the incidence of new-onset MAFLD were 1.11 (0.93-1.32), 1.15 (0.90-1.47), and 1.52 (1.12-2.07) in G3, G2, and G1, respectively, compared with that in G4. After adjusting for confounders, the hazard ratio (95 % CIs) for the incidence of new-onset MAFLD was 1.40 (1.00-1.95) in G1 compared with that in G4.

Conclusion: The risk of developing MAFLD was higher in women with premature menopause (<40 years) than in those with menopause aged ≥50 years.