Antonio Cano

The vast majority of mammals remain fertile until the end of their lives. Humans and some species of whales deviate from that norm and do go through menopause. Now, research published in Science reveals that menopause exists in female chimpanzees, too, and that it lasts for a fifth of their adult lifespan. To reach these conclusions, the research team observed 185 female chimpanzees between 1995 and 2016 in Uganda's Kibale National Park and measured hormone levels in urine samples from specimens of various ages.

A review published in the journal Cell highlights the "urgent need" for more studies on the menopause - and at an international level, so that the results can be applied to all countries. The article, published by a research team in Australia, the US and Italy, summarises the available evidence on the biology of the menopause, its consequences for women and therapeutic options. It highlights the lack of studies in certain areas, for example on the efficacy of non-oral oestradiol, or on the efficacy and safety of hormone therapies during the perimenopause.