Periods Tied To Shorter Life Span: Irregular, Long

Women who reported always having irregular cycles between the ages of 18 and 46 were 37% to 39% more likely to die prematurely compared to those with regular cycles.

Long, irregular menstrual cycles may predict premature mortality Irregular, Long Periods Tied to Shorter Life Span

The association between irregular cycles and early death was slightly stronger among women who were current smokers . Why the Menstrual Cycle Matters Women who reported always having irregular cycles between

Research published in The BMJ has linked (lasting 40 days or more) to a significantly higher risk of premature death —defined as dying before the age of 70. The large-scale study, which followed nearly 80,000 women over 24 years, suggests that a woman’s menstrual history acts as a "vital sign" for her overall long-term health. Key Findings of the Study The large-scale study, which followed nearly 80,000 women

The link was strongest for deaths related to heart and blood vessel disease . The study found that irregular and long cycles were associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) independent of common risk factors like BMI or diet.

Medical experts from institutions like Harvard Medical School explain that the menstrual cycle is a reflection of the , which regulates essential hormones.

The research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health highlights several critical data points regarding life span and cycle characteristics: