Lack of female hormones after menopause may lead to:

• thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) leading to increase risk of fractures

• an increase in the risk of heart attack

Bone Health

Women who undergo an early menopause, potentially start to lose bone at a significantly earlier age than women who undergo menopause in their fifties. This puts them at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis at an earlier age, than women who undergo menopause at midlife.

In this setting, it is often advisable to consider hormone therapy for this group. There generally does not appear to be adverse consequences of hormone therapy in this young age group.

For more information on Bone Health see Osteoporosis

Heart Health

A healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of heart problems.

For more information see Heart Health

Content updated July 14, 2008