Premature Menopause / Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
Premature menopause (menopause before 40) or primary ovarian insufficiency is associated with
• lowered risk of breast cancer
• earlier onset of estrogen related bone loss
• no known effect on coronary heart disease (CHD). Observational studies show an increased risk of CHD with early menopause however the Framingham data reveal that women with CHD risk tend to menopause early.
Women who have premature menopause or POI should be actively encouraged to take menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) due to its positive effects on bone along with general protection for age related issues. The use of MHT is encouraged until the normal age of menopause.