National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC)

For women in their 50’s, menopause is a normal event. Most women adjust to the physical changes with little if any impact on their quality of life, or activities. Only a few studies have looked at the effects of premature or early menopause on long-term health. This section provides a brief guide to the findings to date.

Heart disease

Premature or early menopause may increase the risk of heart disease. This means that exercise, weight control, treatment for high blood pressure, a balanced diet, and stopping smoking are likely to be very important in women experiencing early menopause.

Osteoporosis

Loss of oestrogen at menopause may increase the risk of osteoporosis (thinning or weakening of the bones).

Women with a family history of osteoporosis, who smoke, are underweight, have hyperthyroidism or have taken steroids are at particular risk of osteoporosis. Women who are taking aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer are also at increased risk.

Find out more about:

• Reducing the risk of osteoporosis