The risks of developing osteoporosis or heart disease appear to be higher for women with early menopause than for women reaching menopause at the expected age. For this reason, it is important that advice is sought from your health practitioner. The advice below is based on current expert opinion as there are no studies in women with early menopause establishing which prevention strategies are effective.

Bone health

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

How can I reduce my risk?

Lifestyle changes

Changing your lifestyle may help control symptoms, improve overall wellbeing and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Lifestyle changes include:

• Having 3-4 serves of calcium-rich dairy products each day
• Doing regular physical activity, including supervised muscle strengthening exercise
• Maintain good vitamin D levels – 5-15 minutes of sunlight before 11am and after 3pm will provide the necessary daily requirement (this varies depending on location and season). A vitamin D supplement may be required if the blood level of vitamin D is below the normal range.

Hormonal treatment

Treatment with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at least until the usual age of menopause (about age 50 years) may also assist in preventing osteoporosis and is recommended. Like any treatment, HRT may lead to various side-effects, however the risks commonly associated with use, such as increased risk of breast cancer, are not expected to appear until after the age of normal menopause. There are circumstances where HRT should not be used (for example in women with a strong family history of breast cancer). It is important to discuss these issues with your doctor.

For more information on bone health see Osteoporosis

For more information on HRT see Therapies

Heart Health

Women experiencing an early menopause may have an increased risk of heart disease compared with women who undergo menopause at the usual age, although this remains controversial. Recently, an observational study has suggested that women with early menopause may also be at greater risk of stroke. This might be because of the loss of the beneficial effects of oestrogen on the blood vessels and lipid (blood fat) profile of younger women.

How can I reduce my risk?

A healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular/ heart problems. Stopping smoking, eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, maintaining a normal body weight and doing regular physical activity, reduces the risk of heart disease in women of all ages. Also, be aware of other cardiovascular risk factors, for example blood pressure and lipid (blood fat) levels. It is still unknown whether HRT use in women with early menopause reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. The important thing to remember is that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having regular check-ups with your GP will help minimise your risk of cardiovascular disease.

For more information see Heart Health

Content updated July 6, 2009