What Increases Your Risk of Menopause Menopause is likely to occur naturally after age 45. However, menopause will occur at any age following the removal of both ovaries (oophorectomy). Radiation therapy or other treatment that damages the ovaries so that they no longer function will also cause early menopause. Other factors that increase the risk of early menopause (before age 45) include: Heavy smoking. Radiation therapy to or removal of the pituitary gland. Chemotherapy. Radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis. Treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRH-As). Genetic and autoimmune diseases. Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. ill be to manage any menopause-related problems that might come your way.