FT Awards menopause

Women with endometriosis face significantly higher risk of early menopause

Women with endometriosis are seven times more likely to undergo surgical menopause and face increased risks of premature menopause, according to a major international study.

The research, which analysed data spanning nearly 30 years, highlights a clear link between the inflammatory condition and early reproductive ageing.

University of Queensland researchers reviewed records from almost 280,000 women in Australia, the UK, Sweden and Japan between 1996 and 2022 to assess the relationship between endometriosis and menopause timing.

Dr Hsin-Fang Chung, from UQ’s School of Public Health, said that while it was known endometriosis and its treatment can reduce egg quality and quantity, research into its effect on menopause timing had been limited.

The study distinguished between different types of menopause, identifying strong associations with both premature menopause (before age 40), early menopause (between 40 and 44), and surgical menopause — which occurs when both ovaries are surgically removed, leading to an immediate and permanent loss of ovarian hormone production.

Senior author Professor Gita Mishra said preventing or managing early or medically induced menopause requires a clear understanding of its causes and early interventions to reduce long-term health risks.

The research is part of InterLACE, an international collaboration studying women’s reproductive health and chronic disease across the life course.

Endometriosis, which affects one in seven Australian women, is a chronic inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus, often causing pain, heavy bleeding, and fertility issues.

Dr Chung said women with endometriosis should be aware of their elevated risk of early or surgical menopause, attend regular GP check-ups for chronic disease risk factors, and focus on prevention strategies.

Her next research will explore the impact of endometriosis on long-term chronic disease risks.

The findings have been published in Human Reproduction and will be presented at the 16th World Congress on Endometriosis in Sydney later this month.