Early Menopause

“Symptoms of premature and early menopause are like those you would experience if you reached menopause at the expected age of 51–52 years, but symptoms can…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Early Menopause Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Early Menopause
  • Premature Menopause

Early Menopause and Premature Menopause

Is early menopause the same as premature menopause?Premature MenopauseEarly Menopause

In Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause the (Scottish) NHS Inform explain:

“Menopause before the age of 45 is called early menopause. Menopause before the age of 40 is called premature menopause”.2

Early Menopause

What is early menopause?

Depending on the Source (DotS) the definition of early menopause may vary. The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) definition is:

Early Menopause

“Early menopause is when your final period happens between the ages of 40 and 45”.3

Symptoms

Are the symptoms of early menopause basically the same as for menopause?

Yes and no. In Premature and Early Menopause the JH explain:

“Symptoms of premature and early menopause are like those you would experience if you reached menopause at the expected age of 51–52 years, but symptoms can often be more severe due to the sudden change in hormone levels”.4

Cause

What causes early menopause?

In Early or Premature Menopause: What Causes Early or Premature Menopause? the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov elaborate on:

“Early or premature menopause can happen on its own for no clear reason, or it can happen because of certain surgeries, medicines, or health conditions.

Reasons for early or premature menopause can include:

  • Family history…
  • Smoking…
  • Chemotherapy or pelvic radiation treatments for cancer…
  • Surgery to remove the ovaries…
  • Surgery to remove the uterus…
  • Certain health conditions…
    • Autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis…
    • HIV and AIDS…
    • Missing chromosomes…
    • Chronic fatigue syndrome…”.5

Common or Not

How common is early menopause?

In Premature and Early Menopause the JH note:

“Up to 8% of women have had their final period by the time they are 45. This percentage is likely to be higher if we include menopause caused by surgery and cancer treatment”.6

Heart Disease

Is there an association between heart disease and early menopause?

In Listen To Your Heart: Learn About Heart Disease – Menopause and Heart Disease? the (United States) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute note:

“Women who go through early menopause, especially if they had a hysterectomy, are more likely to develop heart disease as women of the same age who have not yet gone through menopause. Treatment with menopausal hormone therapy immediately after menopause may reduce risk of heart disease but not of stroke, but treatment later in life increases the risk of both heart disease and stroke”.7

Depression

Is there an association between depression and early menopause?

The (Australian) Beyondblue explain:

“Women who experience surgical or early menopause can be at even greater risk of depression. It is important to speak to your doctor about your wellbeing as well as your physical health. Treatment and support is available.

Activities such as eating well and keeping active – and doing the things you enjoy – are key to improving your wellbeing during menopause”.8

In Premature and Early Menopause: Emotional Wellbeing the JH elaborate on:

“It’s important to talk to someone if you feel very emotional, anxious or depressed after your diagnosis. Your doctor can help with symptom relief and refer you to a psychologist if needed”.9

Hormone Therapy

What is one of the highlights about early menopause included in the 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of the North American Menopause Society?

On page one in The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement, published 07 July 2022, one of the highlights is:

  • “Women with primary ovarian insufficiency and premature or early menopause have higher risks of bone loss, heart disease, and cognitive or affective disorders associated with estrogen deficiency. It is recommended that hormone therapy can be used until at least the mean age of menopause unless there is a contraindication to its use”.10

Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk

What is one of the recommendations included in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause?

On page two in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

  • “Women with POI and early menopause (40–45 years old) should be advised that HRT is unlikely to increase risk of breast cancer in younger menopausal women under the age of 50”.11

What is POI?

POI in this context is an abbreviation for Premature Ovarian Insufficiency.

Hormone Therapy Alternatives

What if I am not able to have hormonal treatment?

In Early Menopause: Treatments for Early Menopause the (United Kingdom) NHS elaborate on:

“If you have had certain types of cancer, such as certain types of breast cancer, you may not be able to have hormonal treatment.

The GP will talk to you about other treatment options and lifestyle changes you can make to help protect your health.

If you’re still getting symptoms, the GP can refer you to a specialist menopause centre”.12

Who is a GP?

DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have early menopause?

If you think you have early menopause, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

In Premature and Early Menopause the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) note:

“Premature ovarian insufficiency or early menopause, if untreated, increases the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, dementia and Parkinsonism, and reduces life expectancy”.13

The EMAS also note:

“Referral to specialist menopause, fertility and assisted reproduction professionals should be discussed with the patient”.14

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Early Menopause?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Early Menopause?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

  1. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  2. Association of Plant-Based Diet and Early Onset of Natural Menopause
  3. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  4. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  5. Cancer Treatment – Early Menopause
  6. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  7. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  8. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  9. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  10. Daisy Network [United Kingdom]
  11. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  12. EMAS Menopause Essentials
  13. EMAS Position Statement: Predictors of Premature and Early Natural Menopause [European Menopause and Andropause Society]
  14. EMAS Replay: Risk Assessment for MHT – When, To Whom, Which, and How Long? [Multiply Languages]
  15. Early Menopause
  16. Early Menopause
  17. Early Menopause Due To Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
  18. Early Menopause Linked To Higher Risk of Future Coronary Heart Disease
  19. Early Menopause – Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
  20. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Overview
  21. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List
  22. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  23. Early Natural Menopause Is Associated With Poor Lung Health and Increased Mortality Among Female Smokers [04 August 2022]
  24. Early or Premature Menopause
  25. Earlymenopause.org.nz [Early Menopause Support Group, New Zealand]
  26. Factors Affecting Women: Menopause
  27. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  28. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  29. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  30. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  31. Health After Menopause
  32. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  33. Hot Flashes
  34. Hot Flashes
  35. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  36. How Menopause Impacts Your Health
  37. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
  38. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Only Happens In Your 50s]
  39. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  40. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  41. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Supporting Someone Through the Menopause [+ Video: Men Don’t Need To Know About Menopause]
  42. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  43. Lynchsyndrome.org.au
  44. Maintaining Your Weight and Health During and After Menopause
  45. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video]
  46. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  47. Menopause
  48. Menopause
  49. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  50. Menopause FAQs: Premature, Early, and Induced Menopause
  51. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Early Menopause
  52. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Early Menopause
  53. Menopause Mindfulness: Understanding the Many Paths To Menopause
  54. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  55. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  56. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  57. Menopause Ruining Your Sex Life?
  58. Menopause and Depression
  59. Menopause – Information for Partners – Fact Sheet
  60. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  61. Mood and the Menopause
  62. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
  64. Navigating Menopause Together: How Partners Can Help
  65. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  66. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  67. Premature & Early Menopause – Fact Sheet
  68. Premature Ovarian Failure
  69. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  70. Premature and Early Menopause
  71. Premature and Early Menopause
  72. Premature and Early Menopause [+ Video]
  73. Premature and Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature and Early Menopause
  74. Premature and Early Menopause: What Causes Premature and Early Menopause
  75. Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
  76. Support After Early Menopause
  77. Surgical Menopause
  78. Surgical Menopause – Ask Dr Jean
  79. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  80. Taking Care of Your Mental Health
  81. The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement
  82. Transformations: The Mental Health Issues That Can Accompany Menopause Often Go Unaddressed
  83. Tricky Periods: What’s ‘Normal’ and What’s Not
  84. Understanding Premature & Early Menopause – Booklet
  85. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  86. Video Series-2021: How Menopause Symptoms Can Affect Your Quality of Life
  87. Video Series-2021: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
  88. Video Series-2021: What You Need To Know About the #1 Cause of Death In Women
  89. Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  90. Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
  91. Videos and Podcasts Archive: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancer
  92. Videos and Podcasts Archive: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Is Testosterone the Answer To Low Libido?
  93. Videos and Podcasts Archive: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: The Menopause Blues
  94. Videos and Podcasts: World Menopause Day 2022 – Interviews: What Women Should Know About Menopause and Brain Fog
  95. Webinars: Previous – Dealing With A Big Issue: Weight Gain At Midlife
  96. Webinars: Previous – Osteoporosis for Midlife Women and Beyond
  97. Webinars: Previous – Predictors of Premature and Early Natural Menopause
  98. Webinars: Previous – The Early Menopausal Patient
  99. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  100. What Is Lynch Syndrome?

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted above?

You may find the Sources at:

Sources

  1. Premature and Early Menopause: What Is Premature & Early Menopause? Last Updated: 08 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 14 November 2022
  2. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause. Last Updated: 20 October 2022. NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/early-and-premature-menopause/ Accessed: 14 November 2022
  3. Premature and Early Menopause. Last Updated: 08 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 14 November 2022
  4. Premature and Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature & Early Menopause. Last Updated: 08 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 14 November 2022
  5. Early or Premature Menopause: What Causes Early or Premature Menopause? Page Last Updated: 22 February 2021.  Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/early-or-premature-menopause Accessed: 14 November 2022
  6. Premature and Early Menopause. Last Updated: 08 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 14 November 2022
  7. Listen To Your Heart: Learn About Heart Disease – Menopause and Heart Disease. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-truth/listen-to-your-heart Accessed: 14 November 2022
  8. Factors Affecting Women: Menopause. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/women/factors-affecting-women Accessed: 14 November 2022
  9. Premature and Early Menopause: Emotional Wellbeing. Last Updated: 08 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 14 November 2022
  10. The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement. 07 July 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/press-release/ht-position-statement-release.pdf Accessed: 14 November 2022
  11. Hamoda et al. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published 10 June 2022:2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 14 November 2022
  12. Early Menopause: Treatments for Early Menopause. Page Last Reviewed: 02 February 2021. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/early-menopause/#treatments-for-early-menopause Accessed: 14 November 2022
  13. Premature and Early Menopause. 2022. European Menopause and Andropause Society https://emas-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Premature-and-early-menopause.pdf Accessed: 14 November 2022
  14. Premature and Early Menopause. 2022. European Menopause and Andropause Society https://emas-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Premature-and-early-menopause.pdf Accessed: 14 November 2022
Topic Last Updated: 14 November 2022 – Topic Last Reviewed: 14 November 2022

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