Karla Bretherick

2004 Research Trainee Award, Junior Graduate Studentship

Genetic factors in premature ovarian failure

Although the average age for menopause is 51, approximately one percent of women reach menopause before the age of 40, a condition known as premature ovarian failure (POF). Karla Bretherick is comparing genetic factors in healthy women with those of women who have experienced early menopause to identify the genetic causes of POF. One of the factors Karla is investigating is the length of telomeres in women with POF. Telomeres are DNA sequences on the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age. If women who undergo menopause early have shorter telomeres than expected for their age, this could indicate that they have aged prematurely, and could explain their premature reproductive aging. She is also studying changes in two genes thought to be associated with POF: FMR1 and SHBG. The research could lead to new treatment options and predictive testing for women at risk of early menopause. This is increasingly important as growing numbers of women in BC are delaying pregnancy until later in their reproductive years. Better genetic predictors of ovarian aging could help women make more informed reproductive choices. Completed award term, March 2006 Received 2006 MSFHR Trainee Award
Read Karla Bretherick's 2006 Trainee profile

Back to 2004 Research Trainee Awards