Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, causing chronic pain, infertility, and heavy periods. Now, groundbreaking research reveals another concerning link: women with endometriosis are at a higher risk of premature menopause, whether it occurs naturally or is surgically induced.
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.
What Is Premature Menopause and Why It Matters
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:
- Bone loss and osteoporosis
- Heart disease
- Mood disorders
- Cognitive decline
Knowing the early menopause age range and the signs associated with it is essential for taking preventive health measures early.
New Study Shows Clear Link Between Endometriosis and Premature Menopause
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:
- Women with endometriosis were 7 times more likely to undergo surgical menopause (the removal of both ovaries) than those without the condition.
- Natural menopause occurred, on average, 5 months earlier in women with endometriosis.
- Surgical menopause occurred 19 months earlier, on average.
- Women with endometriosis were twice as likely to have surgical menopause before 40, and 1.4 times more likely to have natural menopause before 40.
These results suggest that even when surgery is not involved, endometriosis may accelerate the ovarian aging process.
Why Does Endometriosis Lead to Early Menopause?
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.
Symptoms of Premature Menopause in Women with Endometriosis
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:
- Irregular or missed periods
- Hot flushes
- Vaginal dryness
- Irritability or mood swings
- Night sweats
- Trouble sleeping
- Decreased libido
- Dry skin or thinning hair
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.
Premature Menopause: The Hidden Long-Term Health Risks
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:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Osteoporosis and bone fractures
- Depression and anxiety
- Premature death, in some studies
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.
Managing Endometriosis and Menopause Together
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:
- Fertility-sparing surgeries
- Non-hormonal therapies for pain and menopause symptoms
- Bioidentical hormones (in some cases, under strict medical supervision)
- TENS technology – Wearable Tech, such as the Beurer EM50, or Livia, which utilize Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation to provide pain relief.
- Lifestyle adjustments – Calcium-rich diets, weight-bearing exercise, and stress management help.
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.
Take Charge of Your Hormonal Health
Here’s what you can do today:
- Track your symptoms — both of endometriosis and early menopause
- Know the signs of early menopause and seek care early
- Request hormone level testing and discuss your ovarian reserve
- Get bone density scans and cardiovascular risk assessments
- Revisit your treatment options regularly with your doctor
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.
Awareness Is Power
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