Understanding the High Prevalence of Premature and Early Menopause in South and Southeast Asia: Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys

Premature menopause (occurring before age 40) and early menopause (occurring between ages 40 and 44) have significant adverse effects on older women’s health and well-being. However, existing research primarily focuses on high-income countries, thereby limiting the relevance of these findings to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study investigates the disproportionately high prevalence of premature and early menopause in South and Southeast Asia (SA/SEA) compared to high-income countries (HICs). Previous studies in some HICs report prevalence rates of premature menopause at ≥1% and early menopause at 2–3%, whereas SA/SEA shows significantly higher rates of 2.7% and 4.5%, respectively. To understand this disparity, we analyze the influence of demographic and socio-economic factors in SA/SEA creatively utilizing Demographic and Health Survey data from 12 SA/SEA countries. Preliminary findings reveal striking regional differences with prevalence rates of premature and early menopause ranging from a staggering 12.2% and 14.7% in Bangladesh to the lowest 2.3% and 4.1% in the Philippines. Employing Cox proportional hazard models, we aim to identify key determinants and assess the extent to which demographic and socio-economic factors contribute to these elevated rates. The results of this study will enhance the global understanding of menopause within the context of LMICs and offer a foundation for future research and policy development to address the increasing prevalence and associated health disparities of premature and early menopause in SA/SEA.