Increasing Menopause Risks Typically menopause occurs naturally sometime after age 45. However, there are some activities which might increase menopause risks. Some surgeries, such as an oophorectomy (removal of ovaries) or othe treatments which might damage the ovaries could result in an early onset of menopause. Here are some other factors that result in increasing menopause risks: Pituitary gland removal. Heavy smoking. Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy. GnRH-AS treatments (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues). Certain autoimmune or genetic diseases. Bulimia, anorexia and other eating disorders.