A global study published in Human Reproduction found that endometriosis patients experience surgical menopause 19 months earlier and natural menopause 5 months earlier than those without the condition. Even more alarming, they are twice as likely to undergo menopause before age 40.
For women already struggling with endometriosis symptoms, this adds another layer of concern and raises important implications for women’s health, from fertility planning to the management of long-term disease risks like osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues.
Premature menopause is defined as menopause that occurs before the age of 40, while early menopause occurs between ages 40 and 44. In both cases, the ovaries stop functioning earlier than expected, leading to a permanent end to menstruation and fertility.
Why does this matter? Because menopause isn’t just a reproductive milestone — it’s a significant hormonal shift. Women entering menopause prematurely face heightened risks of:
Knowing the early menopause age range and the signs associated with it is essential for taking preventive health measures early.
Led by Dr. Hsin-Fang Chung from the University of Queensland, this study analyzed data from 279,048 women across the UK, Australia, Sweden, and Japan, collected between 1996 and 2022.
Among the findings:
These results suggest that even when surgery is not involved, endometriosis may accelerate the ovarian aging process.
Endometriosis contributes to early or premature menopause through multiple mechanisms, primarily by damaging ovarian tissue and depleting egg reserves. One key factor is the presence of endometriomas, commonly called “chocolate cysts.” These cysts form when endometrial-like tissue invades the ovaries, disrupting healthy follicles and accelerating the loss of viable eggs.
Additionally, surgical interventions—such as the removal of endometriosis lesions or, in severe cases, the ovaries themselves—can abruptly trigger menopause. Even fertility-sparing surgeries may inadvertently reduce ovarian function over time.
Beyond structural damage, chronic inflammation plays a role; the persistent pelvic inflammation associated with endometriosis may accelerate ovarian aging, further shortening reproductive lifespan.
As Dr. Gino Pecoraro, a leading gynecologist, notes: “Endometriomas and their removal often lead to early natural menopause. If a woman’s ovaries are removed, she needs immediate menopause management to address symptoms and long-term health risks.” This underscores the importance of proactive care for endometriosis patients, particularly those undergoing surgery.
Whether natural or induced, menopause causes a range of physical and emotional symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms of early menopause can help women with endometriosis take proactive steps to protect their health.
Common signs include:
Since endometriosis patients already deal with chronic pain, these symptoms can further reduce quality of life. If you’re under 45 and experiencing any of these, regular check-ups with a GP or menopause specialist are essential to monitor bone density, heart health, and hormonal balance.
Experiencing premature menopause before your 40s — whether naturally or surgically — is more than an inconvenience. It can carry serious long-term health risks if not managed carefully.
These include:
Women facing premature menopause may require early intervention strategies including bone density monitoring, cardiovascular screenings, and hormone therapy (when appropriate). It also underscores the need for ongoing care even after the menopause transition.
For those navigating both endometriosis and early or premature menopause, management becomes more complex but not impossible. Thanks to evolving research and treatments, options exist to help women maintain their quality of life and long-term health.
Non-Hormonal and Fertility-Sparing Solutions – Modern treatment options include:
Dr. Chung emphasizes: “Women with endometriosis should focus on prevention strategies and long-term health monitoring.”
Women going through the menopause transition should work with their healthcare provider to develop a personalized care plan based on their risk profile and symptoms.
Here’s what you can do today:
Being informed is your first line of defense. If you’re living with endometriosis, now is the time to start asking the tough questions about your long-term hormonal health.
This new study confirms what many experts have long suspected — endometriosis doesn’t just affect fertility and pain levels. It may also significantly increase the risk of premature menopause, with all the health consequences that follow. If you have endometriosis or are experiencing symptoms of early menopause, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor, get informed and take action.
At Femmtech, we empower women with cutting-edge, drug-free solutions designed to ease both endometriosis symptoms and menopause symptoms, from hot flashes and night sweats to pelvic floor health and sleep support. Explore our expertly curated offering at femmtech.com and menopause.femmtech.com
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