Endometriosis and Premature Menopause: What You Need to Know

Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide. It occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, and infertility.

A recent University of Queensland study, conducted with international collaborators, has shed light on a lesser-known complication: women with endometriosis face a higher risk of experiencing menopause earlier—both naturally and surgically.

What did the research find?

The study followed nearly 280,000 women, and its findings are significant:

📉 Earlier natural menopause: on average, women with endometriosis reached menopause up to 5 months earlier than women without the condition.

🏥 Premature surgical menopause: those requiring hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) entered menopause up to 19 months earlier.

This has consequences not only for fertility but also for long-term health, since early menopause increases the risk of:

• Cardiovascular disease.
• Osteoporosis and bone fragility.
• Metabolic disorders.

Why does this matter for fertility?

Many women with endometriosis already have a compromised ovarian reserve due to chronic inflammation or surgeries to remove endometriomas.

When combined with the risk of premature menopause, this makes it essential for women to:

• Seek early counseling on fertility preservation (egg or embryo freezing).
• Undergo close monitoring to detect changes in reproductive health in time.
• Make informed decisions about family planning.

What can be done?

While endometriosis itself cannot always be prevented, there are proactive steps to reduce its impact on fertility and overall health:

✅ Regular monitoring: fertility testing, including AMH levels and antral follicle count ultrasound.

✅ Preservation options: egg or embryo freezing for women who wish to delay pregnancy.

✅ Healthy lifestyle: balanced nutrition, physical activity, avoiding smoking and excess alcohol.

✅ Multidisciplinary care: collaboration between gynecologists, fertility specialists, and endocrinologists.

Fertilite Tijuana´s commitment

At Fertilite, we understand that endometriosis affects not only the present but also a woman’s future reproductive and overall health.

We provide:

1. Personalized fertility evaluations for women with endometriosis.
2. Advanced fertility preservation techniques, including egg and embryo vitrification.
3. Comprehensive care and guidance, helping you plan motherhood safely and realistically.

Conclusion

Recent research confirms what many women with endometriosis suspected: this condition can accelerate the onset of menopause, shortening the reproductive window.

The good news is that there are ways to anticipate and protect fertility, empowering women to take control of their reproductive health.

At Fertilite , our mission is to guide you with clear information, timely diagnosis, and the best available treatment and preservation options.

Scientific Reference

University of Queensland (2025). Endometriosis linked to earlier onset of natural and surgical menopause. Courier Mail report.