Three or More Births Reduce the Risk of Stroke in Women 0 16

The analysis was based on data from the Framingham Heart Study, which has been ongoing since 1948. The study included 1,882 women who, at the start (1998–2001, average age — 61 years), had no history of stroke. Researchers considered the number of births, age at menopause, use of hormone therapy, as well as levels of estradiol and estrone in the blood.

Over 18 years, specialists monitored stroke cases and analyzed signs of vascular damage to the brain based on MRI results. During this time, the disease was diagnosed in 126 participants. Calculations taking into account vascular risk factors showed that the likelihood of stroke was significantly lower in women who had three or more children.

At the same time, no statistically significant relationship was found between other reproductive indicators, including age at menopause and hormone therapy, and the risk of stroke or MRI signs of damage. The authors suggested considering the number of births as an additional indicator when assessing vascular risks in women.