Earlier menopause linked to higher risk of bronchiectasis
Women with a shorter reproductive lifespan are at greater risk of developing bronchiectasis, according to a new study in the July 2026 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation.
A new study published in the July 2026 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases journal suggests that women with a shorter reproductive lifespan are at a higher risk of developing bronchiectasis, a chronic lung disease. Bronchiectasis, characterized by enlarged, thickened, and scarred airways, leads to a buildup of mucus and impaired lung function.
The study, involving nearly 97,000 postmenopausal women from the Women's Health Initiative, found that reproductive health and hormonal factors may play a significant role in bronchiectasis risk among older women. Researchers noted that women with a reproductive lifespan of over 40 years had a 22% lower risk of developing bronchiectasis compared to those with a lifespan under 30 years. Additionally, hormone therapy use was associated with a 19% higher risk of bronchiectasis.
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