FIGO/IMS position paper proposes life-course hormone therapy for premature ovarian insufficiency and early menopause
A joint FIGO and IMS position paper proposes reframing hormone therapy in premature ovarian insufficiency and early menopause as long-term replacement to prevent disability, rather than managing them like menopause at normal age. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
POI and early menopause are associated with a longer duration of estrogen deficiency and with shorter lifespan and reduced healthspan compared with normal menopause. [1]
The authors propose reframing hormone therapy in POI/EM as hormonal replacement aimed at preventing long-term disability, with timely initiation, adequate dosing and long-term continuation. [1]
FIGO and IMS call for globally coordinated efforts in awareness, professional education, research and equitable access to multidisciplinary care. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Joint FIGO and IMS position paper (abstract)
- Population / context
- Women with premature ovarian insufficiency or early menopause
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- August 18, 2026
Proposed reframing of POI and early menopause care
The paper states that premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and early menopause (EM) affect millions of women worldwide. Compared with normal menopause, they bring a longer duration of estrogen deficiency and are associated with a shorter lifespan and reduced healthspan, owing to increased risks of cardiovascular, skeletal, cognitive and psychological morbidity and sexual health concerns. The authors propose a shift toward a life-course model of care: POI and EM should be recognized as chronic endocrine conditions and sentinel events for accelerated aging, not as variants of menopause at normal age.
Supporting source [1]
Proposed role of hormone therapy and preventive strategies
The authors say current approaches to hormone therapy (HT) in POI/EM remain fragmented, delayed and overly influenced by paradigms derived from older postmenopausal populations. They propose reframing HT as hormonal replacement aimed at preventing long-term disability. Timely initiation, adequate dosing and long-term continuation of HT should be considered foundational to POI/EM care, alongside integrated preventive strategies. These are proposals, not results of a trial.
Supporting source [1]
FIGO and IMS call for coordinated global action
FIGO and IMS call for a globally coordinated effort to strengthen awareness, professional education and research on POI/EM, and to ensure equitable access to multidisciplinary care. The stated goal is to improve women's health and support the long-term sustainability of healthcare systems. The abstract presents this as a position paper and does not report study data, effect sizes or safety outcomes.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
This is an abstract of a joint FIGO and IMS position paper; the full text was not reviewed. It presents proposals and calls for action, not study data, effect sizes or safety outcomes.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Benedetto C, Khadilkar SS, Nappi RE, Genazzani AR, Frezet F, Cucinella L, Divakar H, Anagnostis P, Panay N. · europepmc.org · August 18, 2026