What are the consequences of premature menopause?

Very early loss of ovarian function is very distressing and has significant psychological effects.
It signals the loss of fertility and loss of circulating oestrogen. If not recognised early, lack of oestrogen has major consequences for physical and mental wellbeing.
Without oestrogen replacement, women with premature menopause have higher rates of heart disease, severe thinning of the bones and problems with brain function (e.g. memory). Premature menopause also reduces life expectancy, mostly because of increased heart disease.