LAUSR

Key Points Question Are menstrual cycle characteristics across the reproductive lifespan associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and to what extent are these associations mediated by hypercholesterolemia, chronic hypertension, and diabetes? Findings In this cohort study of 80 630 women, irregular and long menstrual cycles across the reproductive lifespan were associated with an increased risk of CVD, independent of established cardiovascular disease risk factors. Mediation analysis showed that only a small proportion of the associations were explained by hypercholesterolemia, chronic hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Meaning These results suggest that menstrual cycle characteristics throughout the reproductive lifespan may be used as additional markers of CVD risk in women.