MCM8 rs9379896: What Your Genotype Means
The genetic variant rs9379896 is a single nucleotide polymorphism located near the MCM8 gene. It has been identified in research studies as being associated with the timing of natural menopause and markers of ovarian reserve.
What each genotype means
Typical reproductive timing
This genotype is associated with the baseline timing of natural menopause observed in the general population. Research indicates that variants in the MCM8 region influence the length of the reproductive lifespan, but this specific genotype does not carry the increased risk markers associated with early menopause. This information is based on statistical population trends and is not a clinical assessment of your personal fertility or reproductive health.
Carried by approximately 64% of individuals of European ancestry, based on a minor allele frequency of 0.20.
Varied reproductive timing
This genotype includes one copy of the variant allele associated with shifts in the timing of natural menopause. Studies suggest that the MCM8 locus plays a role in gonadal function and reproductive lifespan, and carrying this allele may be statistically linked to a slightly different menopausal age compared to those without it. This association is based on large-scale population studies and does not predict individual reproductive outcomes.
Carried by approximately 32% of individuals of European ancestry, based on a minor allele frequency of 0.20.
Potential early reproductive transition
This genotype contains two copies of the variant allele that has been linked in genome-wide association studies to the timing of natural menopause. While the MCM8 gene is involved in DNA repair and gonadal maintenance, this specific variant is a marker for statistical trends in population-level reproductive aging. It is not a diagnostic indicator of primary ovarian insufficiency, but you may wish to discuss your reproductive health history with a healthcare provider.
Carried by approximately 4% of individuals of European ancestry, based on a minor allele frequency of 0.20.
Understanding the Variant
The variant rs9379896 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located on chromosome 6. In the context of human genetics, a SNP represents a variation at a single position in the DNA sequence among individuals. This specific variant is situated in an intergenic region near the MCM8 gene. Because it is located in a non-coding area, it is often studied for its potential role in regulating the expression of nearby genes rather than directly altering a protein's structure. Researchers use these markers to identify regions of the genome that may influence complex biological traits, such as reproductive aging. While the variant itself is a simple change in a DNA base, its presence is used as a statistical signal to help scientists map the genetic architecture of human health and development.
The Role of the MCM8 Gene
The MCM8 gene, or Minichromosome Maintenance Complex Component 8, plays a critical role in DNA maintenance and repair. Specifically, the MCM8 protein is involved in homologous recombination, a process essential for repairing double-strand breaks in DNA. This function is particularly important in the germline, where the integrity of DNA must be preserved during the development of oocytes. Research has shown that the MCM8 gene is expressed within the oocytes of human ovarian follicles. Because the maintenance of oocyte quality and number is fundamental to reproductive health, disruptions or variations in genes like MCM8 are hypothesized to influence the rate at which ovarian follicles are depleted over a woman's lifetime, which in turn impacts the timing of menopause.
Research and Evidence Strength
The association between rs9379896 and reproductive traits is supported by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Research has observed that the C allele of this SNP is associated with a slightly later age at natural menopause, while the T allele has been linked to an increased odds ratio for early menopause. Additionally, some studies have found that variants in this region correlate with antral follicle counts, a marker of ovarian reserve. However, it is important to note that the evidence strength for this specific SNP is considered limited. While these statistical associations are reproducible in large cohorts, the ability to use this single variant to accurately predict an individual's reproductive timeline remains low. The biological mechanisms are complex, and many other genetic and environmental factors contribute to the timing of menopause.
Interpreting Your Results
When reviewing genetic information regarding rs9379896, it is essential to understand that this variant is a tool for population-level research rather than a diagnostic test. The associations observed in scientific literature describe trends across large groups of people, not individual outcomes. Because the influence of this variant on the timing of menopause is modest, it cannot be used to predict when an individual will experience menopause or to diagnose conditions like primary ovarian insufficiency. If you have concerns about your reproductive health, fertility, or the timing of menopause, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional or a reproductive endocrinologist. They can provide personalized medical advice based on your clinical history, physical examinations, and appropriate diagnostic testing, which are far more informative than any single genetic marker.
How common is this variant?
The minor allele frequency (MAF) for rs9379896 is approximately 0.20 in European populations, meaning the variant is relatively common.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use rs9379896 to predict when I will go through menopause?
No, this variant cannot be used to predict your personal menopausal timeline. While it is statistically associated with the timing of menopause in large studies, the effect size is small and influenced by many other genetic and environmental factors.
Is rs9379896 a diagnostic test for primary ovarian insufficiency?
No, this SNP is not a diagnostic test. Primary ovarian insufficiency is a complex clinical condition that requires evaluation by a medical professional using established diagnostic criteria.
What does it mean if I have the T/T genotype?
Having the T/T genotype simply means you carry two copies of the T allele at this specific location. While research has linked this allele to a higher statistical likelihood of earlier menopause, it does not guarantee any specific health outcome for you.
Should I be worried about my fertility if I have this variant?
Genetic variants like rs9379896 are common and are only one small piece of a very large puzzle regarding reproductive health. You should not be worried based on this information alone; instead, discuss any concerns about your fertility with a qualified healthcare provider.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 9/29/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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Missense variant in MCM8 robustly linked through large-scale meta-analyses to variation in age at natural menopause and primary ovarian insufficiency risk.
Missense variant in MCM8 associated with DNA repair integrity in germ cells and susceptibility to accelerated ovarian aging.
A missense variant in MCM8 associated with DNA helicase activity, meiotic function, and altered timing of menopause.
Missense variant (p.Glu336Lys, c.1006G>A) in the MCM8 helicase gene significantly associated with accelerated oocyte depletion and earlier age at natural menopause.
This variant in the MCM8 gene shows suggestive association with age at natural menopause in European American women.