Women who go through menopause earlier than usual may face a higher risk of developing a serious health condition called metabolic syndrome, according to new research presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society in Orlando.
Metabolic syndrome is a group of problems that tend to occur together—such as extra belly fat, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol or triglycerides.
When these conditions combine, they greatly increase the chances of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Over time, metabolic syndrome can damage organs and even raise the risk of some cancers.
Estrogen, the main female hormone, helps protect against many of these health issues. But after menopause, estrogen levels drop sharply, which can make women more vulnerable to metabolic changes.
Researchers wanted to know if the age at which menopause begins naturally—without surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy—could make a difference in this risk.
To find out, scientists analyzed medical records from more than 234,000 women who experienced natural menopause between ages 30 and 60.
They discovered that, overall, about 11.7% of the women had metabolic syndrome.
However, the numbers were higher for those who went through menopause earlier: 13.5% in the early menopause group compared to 10.8% in the later menopause group.
After accounting for other factors such as weight, race, and medications, the researchers found that women who had early menopause had a 27% higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome than those who reached menopause later.
Dr. Shefali Setia Verman from the University of Pennsylvania, one of the study’s authors, explained that the timing of menopause can reveal much more than just reproductive aging.
“Our findings show that age at natural menopause isn’t just a milestone—it’s an important clue about long-term heart and metabolic health. Identifying women with early menopause gives doctors a chance to act sooner and prevent serious diseases,” she said.
Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of The Menopause Society, added that the study reinforces the link between early menopause and poor health outcomes. “The more we understand these risks, the better we can help women take preventive steps early,” she said.
The study highlights the importance of paying attention to menopause timing as part of women’s overall health care. Early lifestyle changes—such as eating well, staying active, and managing weight—can make a major difference in lowering the long-term risks of metabolic syndrome and related conditions.
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