Women who enter puberty later are more likely to live to the age of 90- Scientists

Scientists found women who start menstruation and experience menopause later in life may have increased chances of surviving nine decades.

The earlier a woman goes through the menopause, the faster her body deteriorates – raising her risk of an early death. 

And experts found those starting their periods over the age of 12 are at less risk of a number of health conditions, such as coronary heart disease.

They were also less likely to become smokers or have a history of diabetes.

Most girls start their periods when they're about 12, but they can start as early as 8, according to the NHS. 

The average British woman hits the menopause – defined as the time when her periods have stopped for 12 months – around 50.

However, one per cent of British women go through the menopause before they hit 40, with some girls hitting the menopause after just one period.

Study author Doctor Aladdin Shadyab, of University of California San Diego School of Medicine, said: 'Achieving longevity is an overarching public health goal with so many of us asking "how do I live longer?"

'Our study found women who started menstruation at age 12 or older, experienced menopause, either naturally or surgically, at age 50 or older and had more than 40 reproductive years had increased odds of living to 90-years-old.

'Those who experienced menopause later in life were more likely to be in excellent health overall, which may be a possible explanation for our findings.' 

The new study is the first to evaluate the association of reproductive factors with survival to a specific advanced age, such as 90 years old. 

Researchers tracked approximately 16,000 postmenopausal women over 21 years and found 55 per cent survived nine decades.

But he said more studies are needed to examine how lifestyle, genetics and environmental factors may explain the link between reproductive lifespan and longevity.

He added: 'This study is just the beginning of looking at factors that can predict a woman's likelihood of surviving to advanced age.

'Using my grandfather as inspiration, I am excited to take these results and continue to contribute to the science behind longevity.' 

Earlier this week scientists said the menopause speeds up ageing and raises the risk of an early death.

Researchers from the University of California estimated the biological age of more than 3,000 women, looking for changes to their DNA in blood cells. 

It is already known people with more of these changes are more likely to die at any given time.

They found women who went through menopause earlier had more of these changes.

However, another study published this week found women who go through the menopause earlier or later than average are at greater risk of type 2 diabetes.

The link was particularly strong for an early menopause, with those who have their last period before the age of 46 being 25 per cent more likely to develop the condition in later life.

But a late puberty, followed by an early menopause, ups the odds by almost 40 per cent.  

It is thought the results for early menopause can be blamed on lack of exposure to oestrogen.  

Low levels of the female sex hormone oestrogen are known to fuel appetite and are linked to high blood sugar levels – a symptom of diabetes. 

Oestrogen levels plunge at menopause, and women who go through menopause early will be exposed to less of it over their lives.