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In 2011, there were 96 million women aged 45 and above in India. According to forecasts, this number is expected to exceed 400 million by 2026. The natural age of menopause is considered to be between 45 and 50 years. If the ovaries cease functioning before the age of 45, it indicates early menopause. Before the age of 40, it is referred to as premature ovarian depletion.
Indian researchers examined triggers for premature and early menopause to predict potential consequences for the healthcare system.
About the Study
Data from 724,115 respondents from the fifth round of the Indian National Family Health Survey were analyzed. After excluding pregnant or lactating women and those who had experienced surgical menopause, the final sample included 429,446 women with premature menopause and 79,643 women with early menopause. The defining factor was the absence of a menstrual cycle for a year or more.
Researchers considered socio-economic and demographic factors, lifestyle, and anthropometric data. Among the former were education, religion, place of residence, household wealth index, employment status, and marital status. Lifestyle factors included tobacco and alcohol consumption, as well as unhealthy eating habits (particularly, a high intake of carbonated beverages and fried food). Anthropometric data included the assessment of body mass index (BMI) and anemia status.
Triggers of Premature and Early Menopause
Analysis revealed that the prevalence of premature menopause among women aged 15 to 39 was 2.23%, while early menopause affected 6.2% of women aged 40 to 44.
The majority of these women lived in rural areas (66%), and 15 to 40% of them had no formal education. Nearly 40% were living impoverished, most were married, and over 60% gave birth to their first child between the ages of 18 and 24. Other risk factors included regular consumption of fried food and alcohol, smoking, and poor menstrual hygiene practices. Women who experienced menarche at age 12 or younger had a higher risk of premature menopause compared to those whose first menstruation started at age 15 or older.
Scientific Conclusions
According to researchers, a higher level of education, professional achievement, and prosperity correlated with a lower risk of early and premature menopause. Women who never married had a lower likelihood of premature menopause. Conversely, artificial pregnancy termination was associated with a higher risk.
The authors note that the study utilized a large representative national survey to assess the prevalence and factors of premature and early menopause. They suggest a link between these conditions and nutrition and poverty. Specifically, educational, economic, and housing vulnerabilities may have a combined impact on the age of menopause.
Read our comprehensive guide on menopause by following this link.
