Prof.  Arup Ratan  Bandyopadhyay
University of Calcutta,  India

Title: Anthropological Genetics of Menarche and Menopause: Genetic and Epigenetic Perspectives on Women's Reproductive Health

Abstract:

Human reproductive development and ageing are shaped by the complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, hormonal, environmental, and socio-cultural factors. From the perspective of anthropological genetics, age at menarche and age at natural menopause represent important lifehistory traits that provide insights into human biological variation, reproductive function, and population health. This chapter examines the genetic and epigenetic dimensions of these reproductive transitions, with particular emphasis on the heritability of their timing, candidate genes associated with pubertal development and ovarian ageing, and the potential role of gene– environment interactions. It also discusses the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, Xchromosome inactivation, and the possible relationships between reproductive timing and subsequent health outcomes. Evidence concerning premature ovarian insufficiency, reproductive lifespan, and the associations of menarcheal and menopausal ages with metabolic, cardiovascular, skeletal, and other health conditions is considered within an integrated biological and cultural framework. Further highlights the limitations of existing genetic association studies, including inconsistent findings across populations and the need for replication and broader population representation. Emerging approaches, including genome-wide association studies, polygenic risk scores, and Mendelian randomization, offer opportunities to investigate the genetic architecture and potential causal pathways underlying reproductive traits. An anthropological genetics perspective can contribute to understanding how heredity, environment, and social conditions jointly influence reproductive health and human population variation. This framework may ultimately support the identification of relevant biomarkers and inform future research on preventive approaches to women's health across the reproductive life course. 

Keywords: Anthropological genetics; age at menarche; age at menopause; reproductive life history; genetic variation; epigenetics; X-chromosome inactivation; gene–environment interaction; premature ovarian insufficiency; women's health 

Biography:

Professor Arup Ratan Bandyopadhyay is Professor (Former Head of the Department) of Anthropology and Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India. He holds a PhD in Science (Anthropology) and an M.Phil. in Environmental Science from the University of Calcutta. His academic and research interests encompass biological anthropology, anthropological genetics, human and population genetics, forensic anthropology, evolutionary biology, cytogenetics, and reproductive and public health. Recipients of prestigious young scientist award, Indian Science Congress, and former President of centenary session of Indian Science Congress 

His key research contributions span human biological variation, population genetics, genetic polymorphism, reproductive health, cytogenetics, and forensic anthropology. His research has explored genetic and biological correlates of reproductive life-history traits, including menarche and menopause, with particular attention to hormonal influences, X-chromosome inactivation, and the potential applications of biological markers in understanding reproductive health. His interdisciplinary research also encompasses anthropometric variation, digit ratios, obesity-related traits, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and the relationship between human biological variation and population health. 

Professor Bandyopadhyay has published research in national and international scholarly journals and contributed to interdisciplinary research connecting biological anthropology, genetics, and public health. His academic contributions also include research on the forensic applications of human biological characteristics and the relevance of anthropological approaches to contemporary health issues. 

He has supervised 20 doctoral researchers, contributing to advanced research training in Anthropology and related fields. He has also delivered invited lectures at national and international academic forums, conferences, seminars, and scientific meetings. Through his research, doctoral mentorship, and academic leadership, he continues to contribute to the advancement of biological anthropology and anthropological genetics, promoting an integrated understanding of human diversity, evolution, and health.