Women experiencing menopause at the average age and those with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) report similar symptom burden in psychological and urogenital domains, despite overall higher symptom scores in the average-age group, according to a cross-sectional study published June 24, 2026, in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society.
POI is defined as the loss of ovarian function before age 40, leading to earlier onset of menopause symptoms and long-term health consequences including increased risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
Common menopause symptoms across both populations include hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal dryness and itching, urinary frequency or urgency, frequent urinary tract infections, joint pain, mood changes, memory lapses, hair and skin changes, and sexual dysfunction, all of which can dramatically affect a woman’s quality of life.
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional observational study including women attending specialized menopause and POI clinics at an academic center in Toronto, Canada.
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The final study population included 374 women experiencing menopause at an average age (median age 53 years) and 149 women with POI (median age 34 years).
Urogenital symptoms were the most prevalent and severe across both cohorts, encompassing sexual problems, bladder problems including incontinence, vaginal dryness or burning, and pain during intercourse.
Total Menopause Rating Scale scores were significantly higher among women experiencing average-age menopause compared with those with POI (P = 0.003), based on greater somato-vegetative symptom burden (P = 0.002).
Psychological and urogenital symptom scores, however, did not differ significantly between the 2 groups.
The findings suggest that younger age in POI may not confer protection against psychological or urogenital symptoms, given the similar burden observed in both groups.
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According to the report, the study’s results highlight the importance of proactive symptom screening in all women experiencing perimenopause or menopause, as noted by Stephanie Faubion, MD, medical director for The Menopause Society, who said that “These findings highlight the burden of menopause symptoms in young patients with premature ovarian insufficiency and show the importance of proactive, full symptom screening in all women experiencing perimenopause or menopause.”
The study was published in Menopause, and more information can be found on The Menopause Society website.
Women with POI often experience menopause symptoms earlier in life, which can have long-term health consequences, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
The study utilized a validated instrument, the Menopause Rating Scale, to assess the severity of menopause symptoms across different domains, including psychological, somato-vegetative, and urogenital symptoms.
The participants in the study completed a standardized intake questionnaire, which provided additional information on their menopause symptoms, medical history, and demographic characteristics.
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The fact that urogenital symptoms were the most prevalent and severe across both cohorts shows the need for healthcare providers to pay close attention to these symptoms when assessing and treating women with menopause or POI.
The study’s findings have important implications for the clinical management of women with menopause or POI, highlighting the importance of a full and multidisciplinary approach to care that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms associated with menopause.
Furthermore, the study’s results emphasize the need for increased awareness and education about POI and its associated symptoms, as well as the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to mitigate the long-term health consequences associated with this condition.
The research conducted by Zamani and colleagues contributes to the growing body of evidence on the symptom profiles of women with average-age menopause and POI, providing valuable insights for healthcare providers, researchers, and women affected by these conditions.
