Menopause is a natural process that usually starts around the age of 50. It is called premature menopause when it starts before the age of 40.
A risk factor is something that raises a person's chances of getting a disease or health problem.
A woman could get premature menopause without the risks below. The more risks a woman has, the greater the chances are. Risk factors for premature menopause are:
- Other women in the family who have had it
-
Surgery to remove the ovaries
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Taking medicines that lower estrogen levels
- Smoking
- Problems with the immune system
