What to watch with COMT and Wechseljahre?

COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) is a key enzyme for breaking down estrogen metabolites and catecholamines. During menopause, estrogen production declines, but remaining estrogens are still metabolized via COMT. The common variant rs4680 (Val158Met) reduces enzyme activity (Met carriers). This may be linked to more severe hot flashes, mood changes, and a slightly elevated risk of estrogen-sensitive conditions (e.g., breast cancer) – but effect sizes are small and evidence is mixed. A COMT test alone is not diagnostic; it should be interpreted alongside lifestyle, diet (e.g., magnesium, B vitamins), and medical guidance. MyBody-X offers DNA tests including COMT, but clinical relevance for menopause is limited. Avoid overinterpretation: genetics is only one piece of the puzzle.