Causes of early menopause
The ovaries stop working
Early menopause can happen naturally if a woman's ovaries stop making normal levels of certain hormones, particularly the hormone oestrogen.
This is sometimes called premature ovarian failure, or primary ovarian insufficiency.
The cause of premature ovarian failure is often unknown, but in some women it may be caused by:
- chromosome abnormalities – such as in women with Turner syndrome
- an autoimmune disease – where the immune system starts attacking body tissues
- certain infections, such as tuberculosis, malaria and mumps – but this is very rare
Premature ovarian failure can sometimes run in families. This might be the case if any of your relatives went through the menopause at a very young age (20s or early 30s).
Cancer treatments
Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can cause premature ovarian failure. This may be permanent or temporary.
Your risk of having an early menopause will depend on:
- your age – girls who haven't yet reached puberty can tolerate stronger treatment than older women
- the type of treatment you're given – different types of chemotherapy may affect the ovaries differently
- where on your body any radiotherapy is focused – your risk of developing premature menopause is higher if you have radiotherapy treatment around your brain or pelvis
Surgery to remove the ovaries
Surgically removing both ovaries will also bring on premature or early menopause.
For example, the ovaries may need to be removed during a hysterectomy (an operation to remove the womb).
Introduction 