Neighborhood Disadvantage and Its Impact on Early Menopause Risk

Recent research conducted by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute highlights a significant connection between living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods and experiencing menopause earlier than average. The study tracked 691 women from pregnancy through midlife, revealing that women residing in highly vulnerable areas, especially within ten years of their perimenopause phase, reached menopause approximately two years earlier than those living in more stable neighborhoods.

Published in JAMA Network Open under the title "Neighborhood Vulnerability and Age of Natural Menopause and Menopause Symptoms Among Midlife Women," this study emphasizes the influence of environmental and socioeconomic factors on reproductive aging. Women in more vulnerable neighborhoods reported no increase in menopausal symptoms severity but did face earlier menopause onset, which is associated with increased health risks such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and higher mortality. Specifically, a one-year earlier menopause correlates with a 2–3% increase in the risk of these adverse health outcomes.

The study utilized the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) to evaluate neighborhood disadvantage, considering factors like income levels, household composition, and minority status. Findings indicated that high neighborhood vulnerability, mainly driven by socioeconomic disadvantages, contributes to earlier menopause. This underscores the importance of addressing social and economic inequalities at the community level to promote reproductive health.

According to Izzuddin Aris, Harvard Medical School Assistant Professor of Population Medicine, modifying characteristics of disadvantaged neighborhoods—such as improving access to resources—could potentially mitigate the risk of early menopause and its associated health issues. The research involved analyzing geocoded residential data from nearly 700 women in Project Viva, a long-term cohort from eastern Massachusetts.

In conclusion, the study suggests that community-led initiatives and policy changes targeting neighborhood improvements could play a vital role in reducing early menopause prevalence and improving overall health outcomes among women. Addressing neighborhood disparities is essential to achieving equitable reproductive health for all populations.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-disadvantaged-neighborhoods-linked-earlier-menopause.html