Role of Epigenetic Diet on Early Menopause in Women of Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Diet may impact gene expression, highlighting the link between dietary intake and epigenetic activity. This study has been performed to evaluate the role of epigenetic diet in causing early menopause in women. Methods: This is a case-controlled study conducted from July 2022 to October 2023 on diagnosed Menopausal women. A convenient sampling technique was used, and 200 women from 8 hospitals in Karachi diagnosed with early menopause were selected. Out of 200, 140(70%) have been married and 60(30%) unmarried women. 50 healthy controls (50% of each married &unmarried) healthy controls were selected within the age range 25- 40 years. Data was compiled on a self-designed questionnaire, and blood samples were analyzed for FSH, LH, Estrogen, Calcium, and Vitamin D levels. Paired sample T- test has been used for significance level(P<0.05). Results: The Mean±SD of age of married women has been 31±6years, and for unmarried as 30±5years. Out of 200 women, 72(36%) cases have been unaware of the influence of epigenetics on early menopause. Menstrual cycles of 142(71%) cases have been irregular, and within that, blood flow of 106(53%) has been scanty. 166(83%) cases reported symptoms of dysmenorrhea. The level of FSH(p=0.04) was slightly significant, and LH(p=0.06) was non-significant, and estrogen(p=0.04) was found to be significantly lower than the control. Calcium (p=0.06) has been non-significant, but vitamin D (p=0.03) has been significantly low. Conclusion: A significant association has been found between dietary factors and early menopausal women. Early menopause due to epigenetics can lead to further complications.