Endometriosis and Menopause: Risk of Early and Surgical Menopause

Endometriosis significantly increases the risk of both early menopause and surgical menopause, according to a groundbreaking international study led by the University of Queensland (UQ).

Researchers found that women diagnosed with lesions are seven times more likely to undergo surgical menopause, which involves the removal of both ovaries, and face a heightened risk of premature (before age 40) or early menopause (ages 40–44).

Endometriosis Linked to Earlier Onset of Menopause

Dr. Hsin-Fang Chung from UQ’s School of Public Health, who led the study, highlighted the scarcity of data regarding the connection between endometriosis and the timing of menopause.

“We discovered that surgical menopause occurs, on average, 19 months earlier in women with lesions. Natural menopause also takes place 5 months earlier compared to those without the condition,” Dr. Chung explained.

The study found that women with endometriosis are:

• Twice as likely to undergo surgical menopause before age 40

• 1.4 times more likely to reach natural menopause before 40

Health Risks Beyond Reproductive Years

Professor Gita Mishra, senior author and leading expert on women’s health, emphasized the broader health implications of early menopause.

“Early and surgical menopause are linked to serious outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and premature death. Understanding and managing these risks requires ongoing monitoring and personalized care,” Professor Mishra said.

The Largest Global Study on Endometriosis and Menopause

This landmark research analyzed data from nearly 280,000 women across Australia, the UK, Sweden, and Japan from 1996 to 2022. It is the largest study to date examining the type and timing of menopause among women with endometriosis.

The project is part of the InterLACE consortium, a global collaboration focused on reproductive health and chronic disease among women.

A Call for Long-Term Monitoring and Preventive Care

Endometriosis affects 1 in 7 Australian women and is known for causing chronic pain and inflammation. Dr. Chung stresses the importance of ongoing care:

“Women with endometriosis should be aware of their increased risk of premature or induced menopause. Regular GP visits to assess for chronic disease risk factors and implement preventive strategies are critical.”

She hopes the findings will inform revisions to national endometriosis management guidelines and support better patient outcomes.

Dr. Chung’s future research will explore the long-term chronic disease risks associated with endometriosis.

The findings will be presented at the 16th World Congress on Endometriosis in Sydney later this month.

For more information: Chung, H.-F., et al. (2025). Association between endometriosis and type and age of menopause: a pooled analysis of 279 948 women from five cohort studies. Human Reproduction. doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deaf068.