GS1Indian Society·13 Jun 2026·3 min read

Study Reveals Early Menopause in South Asian Women Increases Heart Disease Risk

A recent study found that women in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in South Asia, experience menopause earlier than women in wealthier countries. This development has significant implications for women's health, as early menopause can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. The average age of menopause among South Asian women was found to be 44.7 years, which is considerably lower than the global average of 47.4 years.

•A recent study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health has found that women who experience menopause before the age of 40 are significantly more likely to develop serious cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
•This finding is particularly relevant in the context of India, where the average age of menopause is 44.6 years, with 18.4% of women experiencing premature menopause.
•Srinath Reddy, Chancellor of the PHFI Institute of Public Health Sciences, women are protected against heart and blood vessel disease before menopause due to the effects of female sex hormones on blood lipids, body fat distribution, inflammatory markers, and vascular reactivity.

A recent study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health has found that women who experience menopause before the age of 40 are significantly more likely to develop serious cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. This finding is particularly relevant in the context of India, where the average age of menopause is 44.6 years, with 18.4% of women experiencing premature menopause. According to Dr. K. Srinath Reddy, Chancellor of the PHFI Institute of Public Health Sciences, women are protected against heart and blood vessel disease before menopause due to the effects of female sex hormones on blood lipids, body fat distribution, inflammatory markers, and vascular reactivity.

▸The average age of menopause across all countries was 47.4 years.
▸In South Asia, the average age of menopause was 44.7 years.
▸Women in low-income countries experienced menopause at an average age of 44.8 years.
▸The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) provides data on the health and nutritional status of women in India.
▸The Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) programme aims to improve the health of women and children in India.

Factors Contributing to Early Menopause

Premature menopause can result from a range of factors, many of which are increasingly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. Stress, tobacco use, unhealthy diets high in refined carbohydrates and low in legumes and fruits, inadequate sleep, and both very low and excessively high levels of physical activity can all increase the likelihood of early menopause. Additionally, environmental pollutants that act as endocrine disruptors, as well as heat exposure linked to global warming, may accelerate ovarian ageing and increase the risk of menopause occurring earlier. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 and the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 are relevant laws that aim to mitigate the impact of environmental pollutants on human health.

▸The World Health Organization (WHO) defines premature menopause as menopause that occurs before the age of 40.
▸The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has conducted research on the causes and consequences of premature menopause in India.
▸The National Health Mission (NHM) aims to improve the health of women and children in India, including those affected by premature menopause.

Did You Know? Women who experience premature menopause are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for early intervention and prevention strategies.

Implications and Way Forward

The findings of this study have significant implications for women's health in India, particularly in the context of cardiovascular disease. It is essential to raise awareness about the risks associated with premature menopause and to promote healthy lifestyles and habits that can help prevent or delay its onset. Additionally, healthcare providers must consider women's age and menopause history when assessing their risk of cardiovascular disease. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NPDCS) aims to prevent and control non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, in India.

▸The Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) programme under the NPDCS aims to reduce the burden of CVD in India.
▸The Ayushman Bharat scheme provides health insurance coverage to vulnerable populations, including those affected by premature menopause and cardiovascular disease.
▸The Right to Information Act 2005 enables citizens to access information about healthcare services and schemes, promoting transparency and accountability in the healthcare system.