Women who experience menopause before the age of 40 face higher risks of premature death, according to a recent study from Finland. The study found that these women are four times more likely to die young from cancer and twice as likely to die young from heart disease or other causes. However, researchers presented a potential solution at the 26th European Congress of Endocrinology in Stockholm. They revealed that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for over six months can reduce the risk of all-cause and cancer mortality by about half.
Lead researcher Hilla Haapakoski emphasized the importance of recognizing the health risks associated with premature ovarian insufficiency and the potential benefits of HRT. Most women enter menopause between ages 45 and 55, but about 1% experience premature menopause due to various reasons like genetic disorders, autoimmune conditions, chemotherapy, or surgery. The researchers compared women with premature ovarian insufficiency to those without the condition and found increased cancer and heart disease risks. They now plan to further investigate the relationship between premature menopause and these health conditions, as well as the long-term effects of HRT.
Vocabulary List:
- Menopause (noun): The ceasing of menstruationmarking the end of a woman.s reproductive period.
- Premature (adjective): Occurring or done before the usual or proper time early.
- Mortality (noun): The state of being subject to death.
- Ovarian (adjective): Relating to or located near the ovaries.
- Insufficiency (noun): The state of being insufficient lack of an adequate amount or quality.
- Autoimmune (adjective): Relating to or caused by antibodies or lymphocytes produced against substances naturally present in the body.
