How are FADS1 and Wechseljahre related?

The relationship between FADS1 and menopause (Wechseljahre) is not well-established in current science. FADS1 encodes a delta-5 desaturase involved in converting omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. During menopause, hormonal shifts alter lipid metabolism, and some studies suggest that FADS1 variants may influence levels of arachidonic acid and pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, potentially affecting hot flashes or other symptoms. However, effect sizes are small, and findings are inconsistent. Most evidence comes from GWAS or mechanistic studies, not clinical trials. Consumer DNA tests often overstate the clinical relevance of such variants. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and stress management have a much larger impact on menopausal health. Therefore, basing decisions on FADS1 alone is not supported. Evidence grade: mechanistic/unclear.