Females who served during the Persian Gulf War could suffer from health issues linking post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and early menopause
Conducted with over 2,000 Gulf War-era women veterans, the research shows the huge impact of PTSD not only on mental health but also on reproductive well-being.
The study, to be presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society in Chicago, highlights that women with probable PTSD are twice as likely to experience early menopause, defined as menopause occurring before age 45.
The risk of early menopause
This finding is significant due to the potential health consequences associated with early menopause, including fertility loss, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and depression.
“This work adds to the growing body of literature implicating PTSD in adverse menopause and reproductive health outcomes across the lifespan,” says Caitlin Elizabeth Haas, lead researcher from the San Francisco VA Health Care System. “One possible explanation is that PTSD is indicative not just of trauma but of symptom burden, possibly prolonging the biological sequalae associated with the stressful event.”
The research also examined other factors such as Gulf War deployment, exposure to environmental hazards like burn pits and oil fires, and military sexual trauma. Surprisingly, while these factors are known to impact veterans’ health, they did not show significant associations with early menopause in this study.
Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society, emphasises the implications for healthcare professionals. “This study, among other things, highlights the need for healthcare professionals to thoroughly review their patients’ histories and be aware of any external stressors that could impact their menopause experience and related symptoms.”
Ovarian ageing to military service women
The findings suggest that the psychological stressors unique to military service, such as combat exposure and military sexual trauma, could contribute to premature ovarian ageing and early menopause. These factors, combined with the physiological effects of PTSD, create a complex health landscape for female veterans.
The Menopause Society, formerly known as The North American Menopause Society, has been at the forefront of research and advocacy for women’s health since 1989.
They continue to provide evidence-based resources to healthcare professionals, researchers, and the public to enhance understanding and treatment of menopause-related issues.
For more information on menopause and healthy ageing, visit the website of The Menopause Society at menopause.org.
