Women whose periods stop early at higher risk of autoimmune conditions, study shows

‘It is important to stress that most women with POI do not develop severe autoimmune conditions, and most women with severe autoimmune diseases do not develop POI,’ says the study’s lead researcher. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian

Women with premature ovarian insufficiency, whose periods stop before 40, have a much greater risk of severe autoimmune diseases, according to research.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) occurs when women under 40 no longer produce eggs because their ovaries have stopped working properly. Periods become irregular and then stop, and some women experience menopause symptoms. It affects 1% of women globally.