van der Plaat DA, Pereira M, Pesce G, et al. - Using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, which is not affected by classical confounding, researchers investigated how age at natural menopause affects lung function [assessed in terms of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, spirometric restriction (FVC < LLN) and airflow obstruction (FEV1/FVC < LLN)]. From UK Biobank, 94,742 naturally postmenopausal women were included in this work. Women with early (< 45 years) vs normal (45–55) menopause had higher FEV1/FVC and a 15% lower risk of airflow obstruction in the MR analyses. Results here suggest a protective effect of early menopause on airflow obstruction.