Boston, MA — Women living in disadvantaged neighborhoods may face earlier onset of menopause, according to a new study led by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute. Published May 22 in JAMA Network Open, the research followed nearly 700 women from pregnancy to midlife and found a strong link between neighborhood vulnerability and reproductive aging.
The study revealed that women residing in highly vulnerable neighborhoods—particularly within 10 years before the start of perimenopause—experienced natural menopause about two years earlier than those in less vulnerable areas.
“Identifying risk factors for earlier menopause is important for public health,” said Dr. Izzuddin Aris, senior author of the study and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. “Living in less vulnerable neighborhoods may help delay menopause and reduce the risk of future health problems.”
Earlier menopause is associated with a higher risk of long-term health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and premature death. Research shows that for every year menopause begins earlier, the risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, and mortality increase by 2% to 3%.
The study analyzed data from Project Viva, a long-term cohort study based in eastern Massachusetts, tracking participants from April 1999 to August 2021. Researchers used geocoded home addresses and the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) to assess neighborhood disadvantage. The SVI considers factors such as income level, household structure, and racial or ethnic minority status.
Women living in areas with the highest levels of social vulnerability were significantly more likely to enter menopause earlier, a trend driven mainly by economic conditions and household composition. However, the study did not find a link between neighborhood conditions and the severity of menopause symptoms.
“These findings highlight the role of neighborhood environments in shaping women’s health,” said Aris. “Since certain aspects of neighborhood disadvantage can be improved through policy and community-led efforts, future research should explore whether such changes could reduce the risk of early menopause.”
The study points to a growing need for policies that address health disparities linked to where people live—especially as they age.
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