Endometriosis Associated with Increased Risk of Premature and Early Menopause

Recent research conducted by the University of Queensland has established a significant connection between endometriosis—a chronic inflammatory condition affecting approximately 1 in 7 women in Australia—and an elevated risk of experiencing both premature and early menopause. The comprehensive international study, which analyzed data from nearly 280,000 women across Australia, the UK, Sweden, and Japan between 1996 and 2022, found that women with endometriosis are at a sevenfold increased risk of undergoing surgical menopause, which involves the removal of both ovaries. Moreover, these women are more likely to face natural menopause earlier than usual, with onset occurring approximately 5 months prior to the average age.

Specifically, women with endometriosis are twice as likely to experience menopause before age 40, and 1.4 times more likely to have natural menopause before 40. Surgical menopause in women with endometriosis tends to happen around 19 months earlier than in women without the condition. These findings highlight an important aspect of women's reproductive health, emphasizing that endometriosis is not only a debilitating disease but also impacts long-term health outcomes.

Dr. Hsin-Fang Chung from UQ’s School of Public Health explained that although it was previously known that endometriosis and its treatments could harm egg quality and reduce ovarian reserve, less was understood about its influence on the timing of menopause. The study's results suggest that managing endometriosis effectively and monitoring women’s reproductive health over time are crucial steps in minimizing associated risks.

Professor Gita Mishra, a senior author of the study, stressed that early and surgical menopause are linked with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and premature death. She advocates for a comprehensive understanding of the factors leading to early menopause and stresses the importance of proactive health measures.

This extensive research, which included data from diverse populations across multiple continents, underscores the need for updated clinical guidelines concerning endometriosis management. Women with this condition should be aware of the potential for early menopause, maintain regular medical checkups, and adopt preventive strategies to reduce long-term health risks.

The findings from this study will be presented at the upcoming 16th World Congress on Endometriosis in Sydney. Future research aims to explore the long-term chronic disease implications of endometriosis beyond reproductive health.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-endometriosis-linked-premature-early-menopause.html