Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered that early menstruation significantly heightens the risk of hot flashes and night sweats decades later during menopause. Analyzing data from over 18,000 middle-aged women in the UK, US, and Australia via the InterLACE consortium, the study highlights a clear pattern.
Dr. Hsin-Fang Chung from UQ noted that women starting periods at age 11 or younger faced a 50% higher risk of frequent vasomotor symptoms—hot flashes and night sweats—compared to those beginning at 14 or older.
“The risk was even greater for women experiencing both symptoms together, beyond just one or the other,” Dr. Chung explained.
Early menstruation has long been associated with later-life health issues, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Professor Gita Mishra, InterLACE project leader, emphasized obesity's role: “Women with early periods who were overweight or obese in midlife had double the risk of these symptoms compared to normal-weight women with later menarche.”
“These insights urge women with early periods to prioritize health programs, particularly weight management in adulthood,” Professor Mishra advised.
