• Genetics: While genes may play only a small role in the onset of menopause, it is shown that women whose mothers experienced early menopause are up to six times more likely also to have an early onset. If there are no other known reasons for menopause occurring early in life, genetics should be considered a factor.
• Epilepsy: Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a common side effect of epilepsy and leads to early menopause in women who suffer from it. One study showed that up to 14 percent of women affected by epilepsy also experienced early menopause.
• Chromosome defects: There are certain chromosomal conditions that may lead to an elevated risk of early menopause. Turner syndrome is an example of this type of chromosome defect. It involves an incomplete chromosome present at birth. Turner syndrome patients have ovarian complications that often lead to early menopause.
• Autoimmune diseases: Ovaries may be affected and stop working properly as a side effect of certain autoimmune disorders. Thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis are examples of this type of autoimmune disease.

Possible Complications Associated with Early Menopause

When a woman begins menopause at least 10 years earlier than normal, she may still be in childbearing years. The early loss of reproductive capability can be emotionally traumatic and can affect a woman and her family for years into the future. But this is only one potential complication associated with early menopause. If you have experienced an early onset of menopause, you should be aware of the following additional conditions for which you may be at risk.

• Lack of estrogen to the tissues can affect cholesterol. Estrogen is known to decrease bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). When estrogen decreases, this protection is no longer active. In addition, estrogen can protect bones and slow the process of thinning and/or osteoporosis. Lack of estrogen also removes this protection.
• Other potential risks that increase when estrogen depletes in early menopause include dementia, Parkinson’s-like conditions, heart disease, depression and premature death. Discuss any concerns or family history with such conditions with your doctor.