Early menopause, defined as entering menopause before the age of 40, can have serious health implications for women. A recent study from Finland found that women who experience premature menopause are twice as likely to die from heart disease and four times as likely to die from cancer compared to women who enter menopause at a later age. The study compared the health records of 5,800 women with early menopause to 23,000 women without early menopause. The findings underscore the importance of hormone replacement therapy as a potential treatment option for women with early menopause.
Dr. Vanessa Soviero, an OB/GYN from the Katz Institute of Women’s Health at Northwell Health, emphasized the need for more research on women’s health, noting that only 1% of women experience premature menopause, but the risks highlighted in the study may also apply to women who have had their ovaries removed at a young age. Women who undergo surgery to remove one or both ovaries due to conditions like endometriosis or non-cancerous growths are also at increased risk. The research from Finland focused on women diagnosed with spontaneous or surgically-induced primary ovarian insufficiency between 1988 and 2017, highlighting the significant mortality risks associated with early menopause.
While previous studies have explored the relationship between premature menopause and mortality risk, this study is the largest to date and the first to include surgically induced menopause. Women with primary ovarian insufficiency were found to be at higher risk of death from heart disease, cancer, and overall mortality compared to women without this condition. Hormone replacement therapy was identified as a potential preventive measure, with women who used hormone therapy for at least six months showing a 50% lower risk of death from cancer or other causes.
Dr. Soviero highlighted the importance of hormone replacement therapy in managing the health risks associated with menopause, regardless of age. She encouraged women to consider starting hormone therapy before entering menopause or when experiencing symptoms of perimenopause for optimal health benefits. Birth control pills were recommended for women with primary ovarian insufficiency or those who have had their ovaries removed, as they can reduce the risks associated with low estrogen levels and provide benefits for heart, brain, and bone health.
Despite some risks associated with hormone replacement therapy, Dr. Soviero emphasized that the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks, particularly for women at increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and other health issues due to early menopause. Educating patients about the benefits of estrogen and progesterone, as well as addressing misconceptions about hormone therapy, is crucial for improving women’s health outcomes. The researchers involved in the study expressed a commitment to increasing awareness among healthcare professionals and women themselves about the risks associated with premature ovarian insufficiency and the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Further research is planned to assess the long-term impact of hormonal therapy on women’s health.
