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Age of menopause and factors affecting it
The average age of menopause in Malaysia and around the world, and the things that can make it come earlier.
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What is the average age of menopause?
The average age of menopause around the world is 51 years. In Malaysia, the average age of menopause has been found to be around 50.7 years.
When menopause comes earlier or later
- Before 40Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)About POI
- 40 to 44Early menopause
- 45 to 55Malaysian average: 50.7
- After 55Late menopause
- Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is when menopause occurs before the age of 40.
- Early menopause is when menopause occurs between 40 and 44 years of age.
- Late menopause is when periods go on beyond the age of 55. Women who reach menopause late may have an increased risk of breast and uterine problems.
What can affect the age of menopause?
These factors can affect the age at which a woman reaches menopause:
Smoking
Current and past smoking. Smoking makes menopause come earlier by about 2 years. Passive smoking (breathing in other people's smoke) also affects the age of menopause.
Family history
Early menopause in the family.
Ethnicity
Menopause occurs earlier in Japanese-American and Hispanic women when compared to Caucasian women.
Low body weight
Surgery on both ovaries
Before menopause. About surgical menopause
Cancer treatment
Including surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Living at high altitudes
Vegetarianism
Malnourishment
If your periods stop before the age of 40
See a doctor to find out why. It may be premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), where treatment is strongly recommended to protect your long-term health. Read about premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).
Keep learning
Premature ovarian insufficiency
When menopause happens before the age of 40.
Read moreSurgical menopause
When both ovaries are removed before menopause.
Read moreStages of menopause
Perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause explained.
Read moreWorried about your symptoms?
Your doctor can help you work out what is going on and talk you through your options.