Women with a history of infertility may have another health factor to consider: early menopause. A new study published in the journal Menopause found that women who had primary infertility reached menopause about one year earlier than women with no fertility issues. They were also more likely to experience early menopause, which happens between the ages of 40 and 45.

Study Highlights

The study included 1,000 women with primary infertility and 1,000 women of similar age without infertility. Primary infertility is defined as being unable to conceive after a year of trying and having never previously been pregnant.

Because early menopause is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and early death, this shorter timeline is important for healthcare providers to understand.

How Are Fertility and Menopause Connected?

New Jersey-based Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, CEO and physician at the International Pause Institute, calls your reproductive system the “fifth vital sign.”

“Menopause is the final stage of ovarian aging. Scientists have long known that the number and quality of ovarian follicles deteriorate with time,” Greenleaf said. “Women who seem to have a reduced ovarian reserve earlier in life might have fewer reproductive years in total.”

She said the study adds to the evidence that unexplained infertility may be an early sign that the ovaries are aging faster than expected.

Dr. Natalie Crawford, co-founder of Fora Fertility in Texas, agrees.

“Your fertility is a health marker, and everything is connected,” she said in a recent Instagram post about the study. “Fertility impacts more than just your ability to get pregnant; it’s a whole-body red flag that we need to pay attention to.”

What Should Women With Infertility Do To Prepare for Menopause?

Although the findings may sound concerning, Greenleaf said there’s no need to worry too much.

“Not every woman with endometriosis will be infertile or suffer early menopause, but being aware that this can occur helps women to plan properly,” she said. “Depending on the patient’s age and goals, these discussions may involve fertility preservation, ovarian reserve tests, surgery planning, and ways to reduce chronic inflammation.”

Crawford also pointed out that factors like chronic inflammation and insulin resistance can affect your ovarian reserve, function, and the age you reach menopause.

If you are experiencing early menopause or have fertility issues that indicate you might in the future, Greenleaf said menopause hormone therapy (also called hormone replacement therapy or HRT) may be appropriate.

In addition to relieving symptoms, hormone therapy helps support bone, heart, brain, and urogenital systems.

Greenleaf also recommended a holistic approach that addresses lifestyle habits like proper diet, exercise, and sleep.

“The most important thing is to become proactive and not scared,” Greenleaf said. “Talk to your doctor, understand your risk factors, listen, and don’t discount symptoms because you think they’re 'part of getting older.’ Knowledge provides women more choices, not less, and enables them to make informed choices.”