A new analysis suggests that experiencing natural menopause early is tied to a higher likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that raises risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The findings, not yet peer-reviewed, highlight the value of early screening and prevention for millions of women.
Researchers examined electronic health records for more than 234,000 women whose menopause occurred naturally between ages 30 and 60. Those with menopause caused by bilateral oophorectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy were excluded to focus on natural menopause. The team looked for metabolic syndrome — defined by factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and high triglycerides — and compared its prevalence by age at menopause. They adjusted analyses for potential confounders including medication use, race, and body mass index (BMI).
Overall, 11.7% of the study population developed metabolic syndrome. Among women with early menopause, 13.5% had metabolic syndrome versus 10.8% of those with later menopause, corresponding to a 27% relative increase in risk for the early-menopause group. This association remained after adjusting for BMI, race, and medication use.
Shefali Setia Verman, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania and co-author of the study, said menopause timing is more than a reproductive milestone: it can signal long-term cardiometabolic risk. Recognizing early menopause as a marker for metabolic syndrome may give clinicians an opportunity to identify at-risk women sooner and intervene to prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other complications.
Experts not involved in the study note the link between hormonal transition and cardiovascular health. Alexandra Ward, MD, director of the Women’s Heart Center at Jersey City Medical Center, emphasized that metabolic syndrome markers — high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol — are key contributors to heart disease risk. She recommends a heart-healthy diet emphasizing lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains; limiting processed foods and sugary drinks; staying physically active (about 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly plus strength training twice a week); and routinely monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
Registered dietitian Ayla Barmmer suggested a Mediterranean-style diet and twice-weekly resistance training to reduce risk factors. She also mentioned targeted supplementation — vitamin D (1,000–2,000 IU daily) to reduce insulin resistance and triglycerides and omega-3 fatty acids (900–1,000 mg daily) for metabolic benefits — while advising consultation with a physician before starting supplements. Barmmer noted that carefully timed hormone therapy can be an option for some individuals but should follow an individualized risk-benefit assessment and be paired with lifestyle measures.
The study’s authors and outside experts agree that identifying early menopause as a clinical indicator of metabolic risk could help prioritize screening and early intervention during the postmenopausal years. Women who experience early menopause should work with their healthcare team to monitor risk factors, maintain a healthy weight, and implement evidence-based lifestyle and medical strategies to reduce long-term cardiometabolic risk.
