Women with primary infertility may be more likely to experience menopause earlier than their peers, according to new research published by The Menopause Society.

The study found that women with infertility reached menopause at a younger age on average and were more than twice as likely to experience early menopause, which occurs between ages 40 and 45.

The findings matter because early menopause has been linked to a higher risk of serious long-term health problems, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and neurocognitive disorders.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 900 women, including 461 with primary infertility and 530 age-matched individuals without infertility.

Among women who experienced natural menopause during the study period, those with infertility reached menopause just over a year earlier on average.

Researchers also found infertility was associated with a 25 percent higher likelihood of entering menopause during the follow-up period.

Endometriosis Linked to the Largest Difference

Certain infertility diagnoses appeared to carry greater risks than others.

Women with endometriosis reached menopause an average of 2.75 years earlier than women without infertility, while those with unexplained infertility entered menopause roughly 1.45 years earlier.

One of the study's most striking findings was the gap in early menopause rates: 7.6 percent of women with infertility experienced early menopause, compared with just 3 percent of women without a history of infertility.

Researchers Stress the Study Shows Association, Not Cause

Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of The Menopause Society and director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health, told Newsweek the results should be interpreted with caution.

"This is an observational study, so it’s only an association—causality cannot be determined," she said.

Faubion added that the findings identify a pattern but do not prove infertility directly causes earlier menopause.

One possible explanation, she said, is that some women with infertility may already have a reduced ovarian reserve, which could contribute both to fertility challenges and an earlier transition to menopause.

"Women with infertility likely have reduced ovarian reserve as a cause of their infertility and therefore may go through menopause earlier," she said.

Researchers said the connection between endometriosis and earlier menopause remains less clear. They noted that both the condition itself and treatments used to manage it could potentially contribute to the association.

Why the Findings Could Matter for Patients

Despite these uncertainties, researchers say the findings have important implications for patient care.

Faubion said a history of infertility may provide an opportunity for clinicians to discuss future reproductive and health risks with patients, particularly given the broader consequences associated with early menopause.

She also stressed the importance of follow-up care. "Women who stop their periods early should be encouraged to pursue evaluation and treatment," she said.

The study authors likewise concluded that women with a history of primary infertility may benefit from additional monitoring and counseling related to menopause timing and its potential long-term health effects.

Reference

Members, M. (2026). Infertility May Lead to Earlier Menopause | The Menopause Society. [online] The Menopause Society. Available at: https://menopause.org/press-releases/infertility-may-lead-to-earlier-menopause [Accessed 4 Jun. 2026].

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