- A study has found that early menopause is linked with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome.
- Early natural menopause was associated with a 27% higher relative risk of developing the condition.
- Experts say recognizing this risk factor can lead to earlier intervention and prevention strategies.
- Lifestyle changes and hormone therapy can have positive metabolic benefits.
Those who experience early natural menopause may face a significantly higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of health problems that can raise the odds of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
These findings, which have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, underscore the importance of early screening and prevention for millions of females.
To conduct their research, the scientists analyzed electronic health records from more than 234,000 females who experienced natural menopause between the ages of 30 and 60.
The study criteria excluded those whose menopause was induced by bilateral oophorectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy to focus solely on cases of natural menopause.
These conditions, when present together, dramatically increase the odds of developing serious chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
To determine the relationship between age at menopause and metabolic risk, the researchers categorized menopause as “early” or “late” and compared rates of metabolic syndrome across those groups.
They also adjusted for potential confounding factors such as medication use, race, and body mass index (BMI).
This comprehensive adjustment was critical to ensuring that the observed associations were not simply due to differences in lifestyle, genetics, or other medical conditions.
Overall, 11.7% of those included in the study developed metabolic syndrome.
However, when the researchers broke down the data, they found notable differences based on age at menopause.
Among those who went through menopause early, 13.5% were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. In contrast, only 10.8% of those with later menopause had the condition.
That difference translated into a 27% increased relative risk for metabolic syndrome among those experiencing early natural menopause.
Additionally, this heightened risk persisted even after researchers adjusted for other factors that could influence health outcomes, such as BMI, race, and use of certain medications.
Study co-author Shefali Setia Verman, PhD, assistant professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasized that the age at which a person experiences menopause is more than just a reproductive milestone.
Verman said that the age of menopause onset can be a powerful signal of long-term cardiometabolic risk.
“Recognizing early menopause as a marker for metabolic syndrome gives clinicians a crucial window to identify at-risk women sooner and intervene earlier to prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other complications,” Verman said in a press release.
The study’s findings also suggest that age at natural menopause could serve as an important clinical indicator for metabolic risk during postmenopause.
Identifying early menopause as a risk factor may help healthcare providers prioritize screening for metabolic syndrome and related conditions, such as insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease, in those who fall into this category.
Stephanie Faubion, MD, MBA, medical director for The Menopause Society, noted in the same press release that the study adds to a growing body of evidence linking premature and early menopause with increased risk for adverse health outcomes.
“The more we can understand these potential risks, the better our ability to intervene early in order to offset these risks,” she said.
Alexandra Ward, MD, director of the Women’s Heart Center at Jersey City Medical Center, part of RWJBarnabas Health Heart and Vascular, said these findings serve as an important reminder of how heart health and hormonal transitions like menopause are interrelated. Ward wasn’t involved in the study.
“Most won’t immediately associate metabolic issues with cardiovascular conditions, but metabolic syndrome markers include high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol levels, all of which can increase risk of heart disease,” Ward told Healthline.
“Stay physically active,aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise like walking or swimming per week, plus strength or resistance training twice a week,” Ward said.
Ward further recommended keeping an eye on key risk factors, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, by getting these checked regularly.
“In addition to getting your risk factors checked, be sure that you know what those numbers are and what your goal numbers are,” she said. “Work with your healthcare provider to develop a plan that works for you to reach your goals.”
Ward noted that weight gain is “a common side effect” of menopause, so it’s important to work to maintain a healthy body weight.
Ayla Barmmer, registered dietitian and herbalist and founder and CEO of FullWell Fertility, said that a Mediterranean diet and twice-weekly resistance training can help reduce certain risk factors. Barmmer wasn’t involved in the study.
Targeted supplementation based on your own individual needs can also be beneficial, but it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor first.
“Vitamin D at 1000–2000 IU daily reduces insulin resistance and triglycerides, while omega-3 fatty acids at 900-1000 mg daily provide additional metabolic benefits,” said Barmmer.
However, she cautioned that an individualized risk-benefit assessment should be performed by your doctor to determine if this treatment is right for you.
Barmmer stressed the importance of pairing diet and lifestyle interventions with hormone therapy rather than choosing only one or the other.
“The key is early, comprehensive intervention,” she said. “Women experiencing early menopause should work closely with their healthcare team to implement these evidence-based strategies promptly, as the metabolic changes begin quickly after estrogen decline.”
