Women usually experience menopause between the age of 45 and 55. But some women experience menopause earlier at or before the age of 40. It can happen due to some health conditions and sometimes increases the risk of other complications. According to a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Utah Health, menopause before the age of 40 increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Â
This study was recently presented at the ENDO 2024 meeting in Boston. In this study, researchers involved 165 women who experienced early menopause and 613 women with primary insufficiency. It is a condition where the ovaries stop working earlier. Researchers also used data from the medical records from 1995 to 2021 to understand about these women’s relatives’ cancer history. Â
When researchers observed the collected data, they found that women who had early menopause had had a four times higher risk of ovarian cancer and a two times higher risk of breast cancer. Their second-degree relatives such as aunts and grandparents also had a higher risk of breast cancer and colon cancer. Also, their first, second and third degree male relatives such as grandfathers and cousins have a 1.3 to 1.6 times higher risk of prostate cancer. Â
One of the reputed doctors and researchers said women who have early menopause or low egg count should get check themselves regularly. They should check themselves to diagnose if they have breast cancer. They should be very careful if their relatives already have it. Â
The results of this study clearly show that early menopause under the age of 40 increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Women can consider early menopause as a sign of the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Healthcare professionals should make some effective strategies for these women. They should be very careful and pay more attention while dealing with women who experience early menopause. Â
