New research presented at the 26th European Congress of Endocrinology in Stockholm sheds light on the association between premature menopause and early mortality among women. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital in Finland, marks the largest investigation to date into the long-term health implications of premature menopause, emphasizing the importance of timely medical interventions for affected individuals.
Premature menopause, defined as menopause occurring before the age of 40, affects approximately 1% of women and is associated with an increased risk of various health complications, including heart disease. While the exact causes of premature menopause remain unclear, factors such as genetics, medical treatments like chemotherapy, or surgical interventions such as ovary removal may contribute to its onset. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly prescribed to alleviate symptoms, yet adherence to treatment guidelines remains low among affected women.
The study analyzed data from 5,817 Finnish women diagnosed with spontaneous or surgically induced premature ovarian insufficiency between 1988 and 2017. These women were compared to a control group of 22,859 women without premature menopause. Results revealed that women with spontaneous premature ovarian insufficiency faced more than double the risk of mortality from any cause or heart disease and were over four times more likely to die from cancer. However, the risk of all-cause and cancer-related mortality was significantly reduced among women who underwent hormone replacement therapy for more than six months. Interestingly, women who experienced premature menopause due to surgery did not exhibit an elevated mortality risk.
Lead researcher Ms. Hilla Haapakoski, a PhD student at the University of Oulu, highlighted the significance of the study, noting its status as the largest investigation into the link between premature menopause and mortality risk to date. “Our findings underscore the importance of proactive healthcare interventions for women with spontaneous premature ovarian insufficiency to mitigate excess mortality,” she stated.
Moving forward, the research team aims to explore additional health outcomes associated with premature menopause, including the prevalence of conditions such as cancer and heart disease, and the impact of long-term hormone therapy on these outcomes. Ms. Haapakoski emphasized the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals and affected women alike, advocating for improved recognition of the health risks associated with premature menopause and the importance of appropriate medical management.
