Infertility may lead to earlier menopause: new study

Nurse Cassie Owen demonstrates an ultrasound machine at the Portico Crisis Pregnancy Center Jan. 26, 2022, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)

A new study found that infertility may increase the risk for early menopause.

The study, published Wednesday in The Menopause Society, involved nearly 1,000 people. About half of those involved had been previously diagnosed with primary infertility, meaning they had never been pregnant before and had trouble achieving pregnancy.

Women who had primary infertility tended to reach menopause one year earlier on average than women without it.

Further, the study found that women who had unexplained infertility or endometriosis had an increased risk of early menopause occurring before age 45.

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Previous studies have shown mixed results when investigating whether there is a link between infertility and both premature and early menopause. However, the study notes that these studies did not consider the impact of different types of infertility.

Infertility, early menopause linked to health problems

Both infertility and early and premature menopause are linked to long-term health problems, the study notes.

One-in-six people are impacted by infertility globally and are at higher risk for developing cancer and cardiovascular disease. Infertility can develop in-utero or later in life, and is commonly linked to factors such as genetics, hormones or lifestyle.

Additionally, women who face early menopause — occurring before age 45 — and premature menopause — occurring before age 40 — are at higher risk for developing health problems like cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and neurocognitive disorders.

Tobacco use, low body mass index, nulliparity, and early menarche — first menstruation before age 12— are risk factors for early and premature menopause, the study says.

“Given that early menopause is linked to adverse long-term health consequences, these women may benefit from counseling that they are at risk of early menopause,” Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society, wrote.

“This will allow them to monitor for early menopause and to seek treatment with hormone therapy, if indicated.”