Spring and Autumn Peak the Start

In a study reported in the June 10, 2004 issue of Human Reproduction, Hungarian researchers analyzed results of questionnaires filled out by 102 women at a menopause clinic. The results showed a high peak in menopause onset after the spring equinox and another, somewhat smaller, peak after the autumn equinox.

"Seasonal variations of reproductive functions in wild animals are well known, and similar but not so definite seasonal trends have been described for humans," research leader Dr. Janos Garai said in a prepared statement. "The menopause is a complex set of symptoms that we know is determined partly by external and partly by internal influences, but there are only scarce data about the exact nature of environmental and/or lifestyle determinants. So we wanted to find out more in the hope that this might help in the future in implementing innovative approaches to treating problems in the menopause," Garai said.

"The seasonality we found seems to support the influence of environmental factors on female human reproductive functions even when they are declining. The pattern of the peaks following the equinoxes appears to be similar to the bimodal distribution of conceptions in Eastern Europe," he said.

Diva Speaks: More and more, we are recognizing the impact of light on our hormones, much like animals. Shifting light spectrums with the equinoxes can change the production of melatonin in the brain, an important hormone that is closely linked to our sex hormone production, our emotional state and even blood sugar levels.

However, taking melatonin will NOT offset these changes as only the gradual shifting of light can trigger the RIGHT pathways for hormone production. So consider those SAD or full spectrum light bulbs in your home. They could be doing a lot more than helping you read.