Women Who Experience Early Menopause Are at Higher Risk of Early Death, Study Finds
Health
By Tracy Swartz
Published May 12, 2024, 5:50 p.m. ET
Women who go into menopause before the age of 40 are four times more likely to die young from cancer, and twice as likely to die young from heart disease or other causes, according to a new study conducted in Finland. The study highlights the increased health risks associated with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in reducing the overall mortality risk.
Understanding Menopause and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
Menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop releasing eggs, and her body produces less estrogen and progesterone. It is considered a natural process that typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. However, about 1% of women experience premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and go through menopause before the age of 40. While the exact cause of POI is often unknown, it can be attributed to genetic disorders, autoimmune conditions, chemotherapy, or surgery to remove the ovaries.
The Finland Study
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, analyzed the data of 5,817 Finnish women diagnosed with spontaneous or surgical POI between 1988 and 2017, comparing them to 22,859 women without the condition. It is currently considered the largest study of its kind, covering a period of 30 years.
The researchers discovered that women with POI before the age of 40 were at a significantly higher risk of early death from cancer and heart disease, or other causes, than women without the condition. However, they also observed that women who used HRT for more than six months were able to reduce the risk of all-cause and cancer mortality by approximately half.
Key Findings and Implications
Through this study, Hilla Haapakoski, a PhD student at the University of Oulu who led the research, hopes to increase awareness among healthcare professionals and affected women about the risks associated with premature ovarian insufficiency.
While other studies have also made connections between premature menopause and early death, this research is distinct in terms of its large sample size and extensive time period. The findings highlight the importance of early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of POI in improving the overall health and longevity of affected women. HRT, the most common treatment for POI, is often neglected, and the researchers encourage both healthcare professionals and women themselves to consider the potential benefits of HRT based on their individual circumstances.
Conclusion
The risks associated with premature ovarian insufficiency and early menopause are significant. This new study conducted in Finland reveals that women who experience early menopause before the age of 40 face a significantly higher risk of dying prematurely from conditions such as cancer and heart disease. However, hormone replacement therapy offers a potential solution in reducing overall mortality rates. By increasing awareness among healthcare professionals and the affected women, the study aims to highlight the importance of recognizing and treating premature ovarian insufficiency to improve women’s health and longevity.
