New research has found that women who experience premature menopause, or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), before the age of 40 may have a higher risk of dying young. Specifically, those with POI are twice as likely to die from any cause and more than four times more likely to die from cancer. Menopause is a natural process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, triggered by a reduction in hormone production. While most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 to 55, only about 1 percent have menopause before age 40. The causes of POI are not entirely understood, but surgeries and certain chemotherapies can trigger the condition. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help alleviate symptoms of POI, but many women with the condition do not take HRT as recommended.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital analyzed data from nearly 6,000 Finnish women with POI between 1988 and 2017. They found that women with spontaneously developed POI were at a higher risk of dying young from heart disease and any other cause, as well as being more likely to die young from cancer. These effects were not seen in women who had surgically triggered POI. The study also revealed that women who used HRT for more than six months had a decreased risk of mortality by half. This study is one of the largest performed on the link between POI and mortality risk, and it highlights the importance of addressing the health risks associated with POI and the potential benefits of HRT.
The researchers aim to further investigate whether women with POI are more likely to develop heart disease or cancer compared to women without the condition, as well as the role of HRT in reducing mortality risks. Despite previous research indicating an increased mortality risk in women with POI, this study is the first to explore the trend on such a large scale and over a significant period of time. It suggests that specific attention should be given to the health of women with spontaneous POI to reduce excess mortality. Increasing awareness of the risks associated with POI among health care professionals and women themselves is crucial to improving the health outcomes of these individuals.
Overall, the findings of this study emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing the health risks associated with premature menopause, particularly in women with POI. By recognizing the potential benefits of HRT and ensuring that women with POI receive appropriate care and monitoring, it may be possible to reduce the excess mortality risk associated with the condition. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific health risks faced by women with POI and to explore the role of HRT in mitigating these risks.
