Endometriosis Raises Risk of Premature Menopause, Study Finds - Video

A recent study published in Human Reproduction by researchers at the University of Queensland has found that women with endometriosis face an increased risk of premature and early menopause, both naturally and surgically. The international study reveals that women with endometriosis are seven times more likely to experience surgical menopause, where both ovaries are removed, and also have a higher chance of natural

menopause occurring before age 40 or between 40-44.

Dr. Hsin-Fang Chung from UQ’s School of Public Health said, “While it's known that endometriosis and its treatments can affect egg quality and quantity, research on its impact on menopause timing has been limited." The study showed that surgical menopause occurred 19 months earlier on average, while natural menopause happened five months earlier for women with endometriosis.

Professor Gita Mishra, senior author of the study, added, “Early and surgical menopause are linked to negative outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and premature death, highlighting the importance of proactive management.”

The study, analyzing data from nearly 280,000 women across Australia, the UK, Sweden, and Japan, is the largest to date on menopause timing in women with endometriosis. Researchers suggest that women with the condition should monitor their health closely for long-term risks and consult their GP regularly.

The findings, part of the InterLACE study, will be presented at the 16th World Congress on Endometriosis in Sydney.

References: Chung, H.-F., et al. (2025). Association between endometriosis and type and age of menopause: a pooled analysis of 279 948 women from five cohort studies. Human Reproduction. doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deaf068.