Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically occurring between 45 and 55 years of age. However, growing evidence suggests that a significant number of Indian women are reaching menopause much earlier. When this transition happens before the age of 40, it is called premature menopause, and when it occurs between 40 and 44, it is considered early menopause. Both can bring serious health, emotional and social consequences. Factors such as stress, poor diet, smoking, and early childbirth have all been linked to this shift. Recent large-scale research conducted in India provides deeper insight into how widespread early menopause has become and what is driving it. Understanding these findings can help women take control of their health and plan ahead.
Early and premature menopause: The growing trend in India
A major study published in Scientific Reports examined menopause trends among Indian women aged 15 to 49 years using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021. The researchers found that 2.2% of Indian women aged 15–39 had already experienced menopause, indicating premature menopause, while 16.2% of women aged 40–44 had gone through early menopause. These numbers, though seemingly small, represent millions of women.Interestingly, the researchers observed that while premature menopause appears to have declined slightly over the past few decades, early menopause remains common. This pattern points to a broader public health issue linked to socio-economic conditions, lifestyle habits, and environmental exposures. The study excluded women who had undergone surgical removal of reproductive organs to ensure the results reflected natural menopause patterns.Another insight from the findings was the urban–rural divide. Women in rural regions reported higher instances of early menopause compared to those in urban areas. This may be due to differences in nutrition, healthcare access, and work-related physical stress. Rural women are often engaged in physically demanding labour with limited healthcare facilities and nutritional support. These factors can accelerate hormonal changes and reduce the number of fertile years.
Why menopause arrives early: Lifestyle, diet, and social factors
The same study highlighted several key triggers that increase the risk of early menopause. Women from lower-income households or those with little or no formal education were found to have higher chances of reaching menopause earlier. Economic challenges often mean limited access to nutritious food, regular health check-ups, and reproductive healthcare.Smoking emerged as one of the strongest behavioural risk factors. Even passive smoking can contribute to early hormonal decline. Diets heavy in fried or processed foods were also linked to higher rates of early menopause. These foods can disrupt hormone regulation and increase oxidative stress in the body.Biological and reproductive patterns matter too. Women who had their first menstrual cycle (menarche) at an early age or gave birth before 18 showed a greater tendency for early menopause. Early childbirth and multiple pregnancies can put long-term strain on reproductive health. Malnutrition and underweight conditions were other major contributors. Poor intake of essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and iron can weaken the ovaries over time.Additionally, the presence of diabetes and thyroid disorders was found to increase the likelihood of early menopause. These chronic conditions affect the endocrine system, which regulates hormones. The researchers emphasised that early menopause is often the result of overlapping factors—social, biological, and behavioural—rather than one single cause.
Health implications: The silent risks behind early menopause
When menopause begins early, the body stops producing oestrogen sooner than expected. Oestrogen plays a vital role in maintaining bone density, heart function, brain activity, and overall mood stability. The loss of this hormone at a younger age can have lasting effects.Women who experience early menopause are more likely to develop osteoporosis, a condition where bones become fragile and more prone to fractures. Heart disease risk also rises, as oestrogen helps protect blood vessels and regulate cholesterol levels. There can also be mental health implications — increased chances of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline have been noted among women with early hormonal changes.Reproductive and fertility concerns are also significant. Women who wish to have children may face unexpected challenges when menopause occurs early. In India, where societal expectations around motherhood remain strong, this can lead to emotional distress and social pressure.Moreover, the study noted that many women experiencing early menopause are unaware of what is happening to their bodies. They may confuse the symptoms — such as irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood swings — with temporary health problems. This lack of awareness delays diagnosis and care, often until complications arise. It shows a need for open discussions about menopause in workplaces, homes, and healthcare settings.
Moving forward: Awareness, healthcare, and lifestyle solutions
Addressing early menopause in India requires both personal awareness and systemic change. On an individual level, recognising early symptoms and seeking medical advice can make a huge difference. If you are under 45 and your periods have stopped or become irregular for several months, it is important to get your hormone levels checked.Lifestyle improvements are key to prevention and management. Quitting smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and managing stress can all help support hormonal health. Foods rich in protein, iron, calcium, and healthy fats should be a regular part of the diet. Simple practices such as yoga and meditation can help reduce stress, which is known to influence reproductive hormones.Healthcare professionals also play a major role. Doctors and gynaecologists need to integrate menopausal screening into routine women’s health check-ups. Policymakers should include menopause awareness in reproductive health programmes, particularly in rural and low-income areas where the risk is higher.On a community level, women’s support groups can provide safe spaces to share experiences and learn coping strategies. Breaking the silence around menopause is essential. In India, menopause still carries social stigma, often seen as a private or embarrassing subject. Encouraging open conversations in families, workplaces, and schools can help normalise it and ensure women receive the care they need.Early menopause is becoming an important health issue for women in India. The latest research makes it clear that social, lifestyle, and biological factors all play a role. Women from disadvantaged backgrounds, those with poor nutrition, smokers, or those facing chronic stress are especially vulnerable. But the good news is that awareness, timely medical care, and healthy lifestyle choices can make a real difference.Understanding your body, paying attention to changes, and seeking help early can prevent long-term complications. Menopause is a natural part of life — but when it comes too soon, it needs to be addressed with empathy, awareness, and action. Every woman deserves to experience this stage of life with dignity, health, and confidence.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, medication, or lifestyle.Also Read | Why early ‘osteoporosis’ screening matters for postmenopausal Indian women