icddr,b study on early menopause in Bangladesh

A study led by the Icddr,b (icddr,b) and published in BMJ Global Health analyzed data from 716,648 women across 44 low- and middle-income countries, finding that 7.5% of Bangladeshi women experience premature or early menopause (before age 45), slightly above the overall LMIC average of 7.1%. The study identified social inequalities: rural women had 17% higher odds, and education was strongly protective, with higher education associated with 58% lower odds. Early menopause increases risks of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and depression. Researchers called for improved girls' education, prevention of child marriage, and integration of menopause history into routine healthcare.