Premature menopause may raise your lifetime risk of coronary heart disease by about 40 percent, according to a recent study. Premature menopause is defined as reaching menopause at age 40 or earlier.

Early menopause is defined as reaching menopause before age 45. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.

Age at menopause can be an important part of your heart health history, and it may be worth bringing up during preventive care visits.

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🗳️ At what age did you reach menopause?

After age 45

Between age 40 and 45 (early menopause)

Before age 40 (premature menopause)

I haven’t reached menopause/Something else

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What Is Coronary Heart Disease?

Coronary heart disease happens when the arteries that supply blood to your heart become narrowed by a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque. When less oxygen-rich blood reaches the heart muscle, the risk of problems such as chest pain or a heart attack can rise.

What the Study Found

Researchers combined data from six U.S. cohort studies and followed participants from 1964 to 2018, totaling 163,600 person-years of follow-up. They included postmenopausal Black and white women ages 55 to 69 who did not have coronary heart disease at the start of the analysis. The study focused on premature natural menopause and excluded surgically induced menopause.

Across the study, premature menopause was linked to a higher lifetime risk of coronary heart disease, defined as having a fatal or nonfatal heart attack. The risk was about 40 percent higher compared with women who reached menopause at age 40 or later.

This study shows a link, not proof that premature menopause directly causes heart disease.

What This Means for Women Who Reached Menopause Early

If you reached menopause before 40, or you’re not sure when it began, consider mentioning it at your next healthcare appointment.

The study authors suggested doctors should routinely assess the heart health of women who started menopause early to consider stronger prevention efforts when appropriate.

The goal isn’t to worry — it’s to make sure your care team has the full picture.