Premature Menopause: Consequences

Women with Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) may experience the same menopausal symptoms as when menopause occurs at a later age. If the premature menopause has occurred suddenly, such as due to the ovaries being removed or damaged by treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the early symptoms may be particularly severe due to a sudden drop in estrogen level.

Psychological symptoms may also be severe due to the additional effect of unwanted loss of fertility and much support may be required.

Later consequences of the menopause are of great importance to women with POI with untreated POI leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease; the more years that women are lacking in estrogen the greater the risk.