Ethnicity and average age of menopause

Differences in biological and hormonal changes can affect the onset of menopause and the symptoms suffered.

In higher income countries, menopause occurs around the age of 51, but it is lower in lower income countries, at 46-48. Around 3-8% of women experience early menopause, influenced by a range of factors, including ethnicity. However, the detailed ranges have not been established for women who migrate to the UK from lower income countries. 

Women in high-income countries are more likely to report vasomotor symptoms, but a review of 11 Asian countries found that body and joint symptoms were the most problematic symptoms, affecting 76% of Korean women and 96% of Vietnamese women. Only 5% of Indonesian women reported hot flushes.