South Asian Women Face Higher Risk of Premature Menopause, Raising Heart Disease Concerns: Study
A major international study spanning 26 countries has found that women in low- and middle-income nations are significantly more likely to experience premature menopause than those living in wealthier countries. The research also revealed that South Asian women face an especially high risk, a trend that could increase their chances of developing serious cardiovascular conditions later in life.
Published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's Health, the study analyzed health data from more than 111,000 women worldwide and highlighted menopause as an important but often overlooked indicator of future heart health.
South Asian Women at Greater Risk
Researchers found that South Asian women were 34% more likely to experience premature menopause compared to European women.
The analysis showed that half of South Asian women reached menopause by the age of 47.4 years, whereas the median age for European women was 50.7 years.
Researchers found that South Asian women were 34% more likely to experience premature menopause compared to European women.
The analysis showed that half of South Asian women reached menopause by the age of 47.4 years, whereas the median age for European women was 50.7 years.
Premature menopause occurs before the age of 40, while early menopause refers to menopause occurring between the ages of 40 and 44.
According to the researchers, women in low- and middle-income countries were 53% more likely to experience premature menopause than women in high-income nations. On average, half of women in these countries reached menopause by 47.5 years of age, compared with 50.6 years in wealthier nations.
According to the researchers, women in low- and middle-income countries were 53% more likely to experience premature menopause than women in high-income nations. On average, half of women in these countries reached menopause by 47.5 years of age, compared with 50.6 years in wealthier nations.
Early Menopause Linked to Higher Heart Risks
One of the study's most significant findings was the strong association between menopause at a younger age and an increased risk of major cardiovascular events.
Women who experienced early menopause had a 14% higher risk of serious heart-related events such as heart attacks and strokes. For women with premature menopause, the risk increased by 27%.
One of the study's most significant findings was the strong association between menopause at a younger age and an increased risk of major cardiovascular events.
Women who experienced early menopause had a 14% higher risk of serious heart-related events such as heart attacks and strokes. For women with premature menopause, the risk increased by 27%.
Researchers noted that this association remained consistent across different regions, ethnic groups, and income categories, suggesting that premature menopause may serve as a reliable marker of elevated cardiovascular risk worldwide.
Largest Global Study of Its Kind
Largest Global Study of Its Kind
The findings come from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiologic (PURE) study, one of the largest international health studies ever conducted.
Researchers evaluated 111,619 women across 26 countries and estimated that:
Researchers evaluated 111,619 women across 26 countries and estimated that:
- 9.5% experienced premature menopause.
- 15.3% experienced early menopause.
The study used standardized questions across all participating countries, including whether women still had menstrual periods and how long it had been since menstruation had stopped. This consistent approach allowed researchers to compare menopause patterns across diverse populations.
Why the Findings Matter
The study suggests that menopause-related health risks should receive greater attention, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where cardiovascular disease rates remain high despite lower prevalence of some traditional risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
The study suggests that menopause-related health risks should receive greater attention, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where cardiovascular disease rates remain high despite lower prevalence of some traditional risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Researchers noted that factors including air pollution, poor nutrition, lower education levels, and reduced physical strength may also contribute to cardiovascular risks. However, early and premature menopause emerged as an additional female-specific risk factor that deserves closer monitoring.
Call for Greater Awareness
The authors emphasized that healthcare systems should consider early and premature menopause when assessing a woman's long-term cardiovascular health.
They concluded that women who enter menopause earlier than expected may benefit from more proactive cardiovascular screening and risk management strategies.
The authors emphasized that healthcare systems should consider early and premature menopause when assessing a woman's long-term cardiovascular health.
They concluded that women who enter menopause earlier than expected may benefit from more proactive cardiovascular screening and risk management strategies.
The study reinforces growing evidence that reproductive health and heart health are closely connected and that recognizing menopause timing could help identify women at higher risk of future cardiovascular disease.
