Study: 7.5% of Bangladeshi women face early menopause, linked to rural life and lower education

Approximately one in every 13 women in Bangladesh experiences menopause before the age of 45, a condition known as early menopause. This prevalence, recorded at 7.5 percent, is slightly higher than the average of 7.1 percent observed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) globally, according to a large multi-country study led by researchers at icddr,b. The findings, published in BMJ Global Health, analyzed health data from over 716,000 women across 44 LMICs.

The study identified several significant risk factors associated with early menopause in Bangladesh and the broader region. Women living in rural areas were found to be 17 percent more likely to experience menopause before 45 compared to their urban counterparts, even after accounting for factors like education and wealth. This disparity points to persistent inequalities in healthcare access, nutrition, and living conditions.

Education emerged as a strong protective factor against early menopause. Women with primary education had an 11 percent lower risk, while those with secondary education saw a 28 percent reduction. The most significant protective effect was observed in women with higher education, who had a 58 percent lower risk of experiencing menopause before age 45.

Furthermore, the research linked child marriage and early childbirth to a higher likelihood of early menopause. These findings underscore premature or early menopause as a significant public health issue, particularly in South Asia, where Bangladesh's prevalence is comparable to Nepal and India. The study highlights the need to address socioeconomic factors and inequalities to mitigate the health risks associated with early menopause, such as increased lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and depression.