More women are experiencing early menopause
A global study published in BMJ Global Health reveals that early menopause is more prevalent than previously estimated, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Researchers highlight the role of socioeconomic inequalities and suggest that education and delayed childbearing are key protective factors.
Why it matters
Early menopause is linked to significant long-term health risks, making these findings vital for public health policy and reproductive health initiatives.
Early menopause affects one in 14 women aged 30 to 49 living in low- and middle-income countries.
The numbers were consistently higher in rural areas than in urban areas across the 44 nations included in the analysis published in the journal BMJ Global Health on July 7 (2026).
This “reflects fundamental inequalities in healthcare access, nutritional status, educational opportunities and occupational exposures”, highlight the researchers.
But education and delayed childbearing strongly minimise the risk.
Compared with women with no formal education, those with a college education were 58% less likely to experience an early or premature menopause.
Women usually go through menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, so it is considered early if menopause occurs before the age of 45, and premature if it occurs before the age of 40, note the researchers.
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