Premature ovarian insufficiency and early menopause - understanding the aetiology, protecting long-term health and what to expect from future research.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) occurs when the ovaries stop working normally before the age of 40. Early menopause means menopause happens between ages 40 and 45. These conditions are more common than previously thought. In addition to causing menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, mood changes and sleep disturbances, these conditions can have serious long-term effects on heart health, bone strength, memory and mental wellbeing. They can also have a profound emotional impact, particularly for patients who had hoped to have children. Hormone therapy is the main treatment for these conditions and is usually continued until the average age of natural menopause. Care should also include lifestyle support and psychological support. More research is still needed to identify the best hormone therapy options and better ways to detect these conditions early. Addressing these gaps could improve long-term health and quality of life for people with POI or early menopause.