Are there recommendations for women who started menopause early?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Women with primary ovarian insufficiency are advised to consider hormone therapy, including prescription estrogen, until approximately age 50 to mitigate health risks. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as a calcium-rich diet, adequate vitamin D, weight-bearing exercises, and avoidance of smoking, caffeine, and alcohol can be beneficial.

    Young women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) experience symptoms similar to menopause. For women with POI and no contraindications (like breast cancer), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends hormone replacement therapy. This includes the use of prescription estrogen therapy until around age 50 to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and urogenital atrophy. Some women may require vaginal estrogen in addition to systemic estrogen. Young women with POI should have an annual thyroid exam as they are at increased risk of developing Hashimoto's thyroiditis.[1]

    In addition to medical management, women with POI may find the following lifestyle interventions helpful: Eat a diet rich in calcium, maintain adequate vitamin D levels, perform weight-bearing exercises, limit caffeine and alcohol intake, and avoid smoking.[2]

    Are there recommendations for women who started menopause early? - Examine