Early Menopause Is a Risk Factor for CVD

Women who enter menopause before age 45 can benefit from cardiovascular risk factor modifications and consideration of hormone therapy.

Menopause begins at a mean age of 51 and is associated with a rapid rise in likelihood of cardiovascular disease (CVD; including coronary heart disease [CHD] and stroke). To evaluate associations between timing of menopause and CVD as well as all-cause mortality, investigators performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional) that assessed age at onset of menopause, CVD outcomes, and all-cause mortality.

Based on 32 eligible reports (>310,000 women) and with analyses adjusted for several established CVD risk factors and other potential confounders, menopause onset before age 45 was associated with relative risks (RR) of 1.50 (all CHD), 1.11 (fatal CHD), 1.23 (all stroke), 1.1…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Early Menopause Is a Risk Factor for CVD

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Reviewing Author