Fragile X premutation is a significant risk factor for premature ovarian failure: The international collaborative POF in fragile X study - Preliminary data

The preliminary results of an international collaborative study examining p remature menopause in fragile X carriers are presented. A total of 760 wome n from fragile X families was surveyed about their fragile X carrier status and their menstrual and reproductive histories. Among the subjects, 395 ca rried a premutation, 128 carried a full mutation, and 237 were noncarriers. Sixty-three (16%) of the premutation carriers had. experienced menopause p rior to the age of 40 compared with none of the full mutation carriers and one (0.4%) of the controls, Based on these preliminary data, there is a sig nificant association between fragile X premutation carrier status and prema ture menopause. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.