FIGO/IMS position paper proposes life-course hormone therapy model for premature ovarian insufficiency and early menopause
A joint FIGO and IMS position paper argues that premature ovarian insufficiency and early menopause should be treated as chronic endocrine conditions and sentinel events for accelerated aging, and proposes reframing hormone therapy as long-term replacement to prevent disability. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The paper states that POI and EM, compared with normal menopause, confer a longer duration of estrogen deficiency and are associated with a shorter lifespan and reduced healthspan. [1]
The authors propose recognizing POI and EM as chronic endocrine conditions and sentinel events for accelerated aging rather than variants of menopause at normal age. [1]
The paper proposes reframing HT as hormonal replacement aimed at preventing long-term disability, with timely initiation, adequate dosing and long-term continuation as foundational. [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 authors state that premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and early menopause (EM) affect millions of women worldwide and, compared with normal menopause, bring a longer duration of estrogen deficiency. They link this to a shorter lifespan and reduced healthspan through increased risks of cardiovascular, skeletal, cognitive and psychological morbidity and sexual health concerns. The paper proposes a shift toward a life-course model of care in which POI and EM are no longer managed as variants of menopause at normal age but recognized as chronic endocrine conditions and sentinel events for accelerated aging.
Supporting source [1]
Proposed hormone therapy approach and coordinated action
The paper proposes reframing hormone therapy (HT) as hormonal replacement aimed at preventing long-term disability, with timely initiation, adequate dosing and long-term continuation described as foundational to POI/EM care alongside integrated preventive strategies. It notes that current approaches to HT in POI/EM remain fragmented, delayed and overly influenced by paradigms derived from older postmenopausal populations. FIGO and IMS call for a globally coordinated effort to strengthen awareness, professional education and research and to ensure equitable access to multidisciplinary care.
Supporting source [1]
Scope of the position paper as an abstract
This is an abstract of a joint FIGO and IMS position paper. It presents proposals and calls for action rather than results of a new study; no trial design, sample size, follow-up or outcome data are reported in the abstract. The stated goal is to improve women's health and support the long-term sustainability of healthcare systems. The full text was not reviewed.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. This is a position paper presenting proposals and calls for action, not a study with reported design, sample, follow-up or outcome data.
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