Can income change the age you reach menopause?
I was surprised to learn that wealth could affect when a woman goes through menopause.
Dr Alex Maughan, FRACGP MRCGP MBChB · 13 September 2026 · 3 min read
OBSERVATIONALn = 31,000+
We know money shapes health in many ways. Until recently, though, I hadn't realised that lower socioeconomic status can contribute to a higher risk of premature ovarian insufficiency, or POI.
Women always ask why
I've seen many women with premature ovarian insufficiency, and they always ask why it happened. There are several possible causes, including genetic and autoimmune conditions, and the effects of medical treatment. When no clear reason is found, it's often the most frustrating answer of all.
What the study found
A study of over 31,000 women in Korea looked at whether socioeconomic status, measured through income, education and occupation, was linked to POI. After adjusting for age, women with lower household incomes and lower levels of education were at significantly higher risk.
It may be shaping something as fundamental as reproductive ageing.
Why it matters
We already know socioeconomic status affects the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. What I hadn't considered is that it may also shape reproductive ageing, and with it a woman's future bone health, heart health and fertility window.
It's a reminder of how important it is to address the social factors behind health, to reduce inequalities in women's health.
- If your periods stop or change early, it's worth raising with your GP.
- Early menopause can affect your bones, your heart and your fertility window, not just your periods.
- If no cause is found, that doesn't mean your symptoms aren't real or can't be supported.
Walk in prepared.
Five lifestyle tips for menopause, one evidence-backed tip for better sleep, and a printable worksheet to bring to your appointment.
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