Risk Factors for Premature Menopause

by Amy Scholten, MPH

En Español (Spanish Version)

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

Menopause is a natural process, which usually occurs around the age of 50. However, if the normal menstrual cycle is interrupted prior to age 40, it is thought to be abnormal and is referred to as premature menopause.

Risk factors for premature menopause include:

Family history of premature menopause
Surgical removal of the ovaries
Radiation
Chemotherapy
Medications that reduce estrogen levels
Smoking
Autoimmune diseases
Medical treatments (pelvic surgery, chemotherapy, or pelvic radiation therapy)

REFERENCES:

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: http://www.acog.or... . Accessed November 2009.

North American Menopause Society website. Available at: http://www.menopause.org . Accessed February 15, 2006.

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Last reviewed September 2012 by Andrea Chisholm
Last Updated: 9/28/2012

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