Powered By
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Your menstrual periods have been irregular lately. You’re also having mood swings and trouble sleeping. You may have even had a hot flash last week. These can be symptoms of menopause, and you might think you’re too young for it — but maybe you’re not.
The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause, or the menopause transition. Some women start noticing symptoms as early as their 30s.
In this article, you’ll learn about early menopause, common symptoms, suggestions on when to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider, and much more.
Menopause is defined as going 12 months without a menstrual cycle. Most women reach menopause between ages 45 and 55. In the United States, the average age is 51 to 52.
When menopause happens before age 45, it’s called early menopause.
Different terms are used to describe menopause before age 40. You may hear it called “premature menopause” or “primary ovarian insufficiency” (POI).
POI is a condition in which the ovaries stop making the expected levels of estrogen before age 40. This can cause periods to become irregular or stop completely.
Some women with POI may have occasional ovarian function. This means they may still ovulate, have periods sometimes, and possibly become pregnant.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that POI “more accurately captures the nature of ovarian dysfunction displayed in affected women.”
If you’ve entered menopause at an early age, you’re not alone — 10 percent of women reach menopause before age 45, and 1 percent to 3 percent experience POI before age 40.
The main symptom of early menopause is going 12 months without a period before age 45.
Other than happening earlier, early menopause usually causes the same symptoms as menopause between ages 45 and 55. However, symptoms may be more severe when menopause happens earlier in life.
Menopause symptoms are caused by changing hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone. Some women have several symptoms, while others notice only a few. For some, symptoms are severe enough to affect daily life, but not everyone experiences menopause this way.
Early menopause can happen naturally or be caused by medical treatment for certain health conditions, including:
When early menopause happens naturally, there may not be a clear cause. However, several factors are linked to an increased risk of entering menopause early or POI, including:
Having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean someone will definitely experience early menopause or POI. However, knowing about them may help explain symptoms that start earlier than expected.
Estrogen plays an important role in overall health. During menopause, estrogen levels drop significantly.
When menopause happens early, the body is exposed to lower estrogen levels for longer than it would be with later menopause. This may increase the risk of certain health conditions, such as:
Not everyone who reaches menopause before 40 or 45 will develop these or other medical conditions. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your individual risk and suggest ways to protect your long-term health.
If you’re younger than 40 and think you may be having symptoms of menopause, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. This includes if, for three months or longer, you either haven’t had a menstrual period or have had irregular periods.
Seeing your healthcare provider is important because when periods stop suddenly before age 45, menopause isn’t always the reason. Other health conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Your healthcare provider may recommend blood tests to check hormone levels and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, they can explain the next steps and discuss your treatment options with you.
Treatment for early menopause varies, based on age, symptoms, overall health, and whether menopause happened naturally or because of medical reasons, such as cancer treatment.
Your healthcare provider can help you understand the possible benefits, risks, and side effects of each option and choose a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Because estrogen levels drop sooner than expected in early menopause, treatment options often focus on relieving symptoms and reducing future health risks linked to low hormone levels.
One common treatment is menopause hormone therapy, also called hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This treatment replaces or supplements hormones that the body no longer makes or is making in lower amounts.
Hormone therapy can help relieve symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It may also help protect bone and heart health.
Another option, especially for younger women, is hormonal contraception. Birth control pills may help regulate periods and manage symptoms. They can also help prevent pregnancy because ovulation can still happen during the early stages of perimenopause.
Some women take antidepressants to help manage symptoms such as mood changes or hot flashes. Some nonhormonal treatments are approved specifically to treat hot flashes.
Lifestyle habits may also help reduce some menopause symptoms and support overall health. These include regular exercise, healthy sleep habits, and a balanced diet.
Although most women reach menopause in their late 40s or early 50s, it can also happen in your 20s, 30s, or early 40s. Because early menopause is less common, some healthcare providers may not recognize it right away.
If you’re told you’re too young for menopause but your symptoms suggest otherwise, consider getting a second opinion.
The Menopause Society is a nonprofit organization that certifies healthcare professionals with specialized training in menopause care. You can search its online directory by location and specialty to find a certified menopause practitioner near you. Telehealth visits may also be available if you prefer virtual care.
The menopause transition can be challenging at any age. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, share your concerns, and look for a knowledgeable, compassionate provider who helps you feel heard and supported.
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Become a member to get even more
Join the conversation
This is a member-feature!
Sign up for free to view article comments.
We'd love to hear from you! Please share your name and email to post and read comments.
You'll also get the latest articles directly to your inbox.