Early Menopause

“‘Early menopause’ is when the final menstrual period occurs between 40 and 45 years. Up to 8% of women have had their final period by the time they are 45”.1

Umbrella
What may the Early Menopause Umbrella include?

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

  • Early Menopause
  • Premature Menopause

Same or Not

Early Menopause Premature MenopauseIs early menopause the same as premature menopause?

In Menopause: Who Experiences Menopause? the (United States) Hormone Health Network’s explain:

“In the United States, the average age for menopause is 51 for non-smokers and 49 for smokers, with a typical age range somewhere between 47 and 55 years. Some women experience menopause sooner — before age 45 is considered early menopause, and before age 40 is considered 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 the final menstrual period occurs between 40 and 45 years”.3

Symptoms

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

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

“Symptoms of premature or early menopause are basically the same as for menopause at the expected age of 51-52; however, they are often more severe”.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 Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: Definitions and Epidemiology according to the Australasian Menopause Society:

“Menopause occurring between 40-45 years of age is called early menopause, with spontaneous early menopause affecting approximately 12% of women”.6

Heart Disease

Is there an association between heart disease and early menopause?

In Listen To Your Heart: Learn About Heart Disease – What Are Your Risk Factors for Heart Disease? Specific Risk factors Affecting Women 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?

In Mental Health & Emotions: Depression, Anxiety & Menopause the JH elaborate on:

“Research suggests women who have a surgical menopause and/or an early menopause are more likely to experience a clinical depression than women who have menopause at the expected age. This seems to be influenced by the more sudden drop in hormones that comes with a surgical menopause, and it might also be related to the illness that caused the surgery in the first place, such as a cancer diagnosis”.8

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”.9

Hormone Therapy

What is one of the points of consensus about menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and early menopause?

One of the points of consensus in the Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy – endorsed by seven menopause-related organizations – published online 20 June 2016, is:

  • “Women experiencing a spontaneous or iatrogenic menopause before the age of 45 years and particularly before 40 years are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis and may be at increased risk of affective disorders and dementia. In such women, MHT reduces symptoms and preserves bone density. Observational studies that suggest MHT is associated with reduced risk of heart disease, longer lifespan, and reduced risk of dementia require confirmation in RCTs. MHT is advised at least until the average age of menopause”.10

What is iatrogenic menopause?

DotS the definition of iatrogenic menopause may vary. Iatrogenic menopause can be menopause caused by medical treatments such as chemotherapy or pelvic radiation treatments for cancer.

What is RCTs?

RCTs can be an abbreviation for Randomized Controlled Trials.

Hormone Therapy Alternatives

What if I am not able to have hormonal treatment?

In Early Menopause: Early Menopause Treatments the (United Kingdom) NHS (National Health Service) 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”.11

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.

Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences

What is the (Australian) Healthtalk Australia’s Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences?

In Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Overview Healthtalk Australia elaborate on:

“On this unique site you can read, watch and listen to stories of 30 women aged between 28 and 51 years, from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds living in Victoria, Australia, who have shared what it is like to experience early menopause (EM).

Women talked about being diagnosed with spontaneous early menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), medically-induced early menopause, or menopausal symptoms as a result of cancer and/or other medical treatments”.12

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.

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. 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 6. Myth – Complementary Medicines and Therapies Are As Effective As MHT and Safer
  2. 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 7. Myth – Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Is Safer Than Conventional MHT
  3. Anxiety
  4. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  5. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  6. Cancer Treatment – Early Menopause
  7. Causes of Menopause
  8. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  9. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  10. Early Menopause – Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  11. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  12. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  13. Daisy Network [United Kingdom]
  14. EMAS Position Statement: Predictors of Premature and Early Natural Menopause [European Menopause and Andropause Society]
  15. Early Menopause
  16. Early Menopause
  17. Early Menopause Due To Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
  18. Early Menopause – Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
  19. Early Menopause Question Prompt List Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Overview
  20. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List
  21. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  22. Early or Premature Menopause
  23. Earlymenopause.org.nz [New Zealand Early Menopause Support Group]
  24. Factors Affecting Women: Menopause
  25. Goredforwomen.org [Go Red for Women]
  26. HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  27. HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  28. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  29. Heart Disease: It’s Not Just for Men – Questions To Ask Your Doctor
  30. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  31. Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
  32. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
  33. Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
  34. Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
  35. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  36. Listen To Your Heart: Learn About Heart Disease
  37. Lynchsyndrome.org.au
  38. Maintaining Your Weight and Health During and After Menopause
  39. Making Sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Means Understanding the Benefits As Well As the Risks
  40. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  41. Menopause FAQs: Premature, Early, and Induced Menopause
  42. Menopause FAQs: Premature, Early, and Induced Menopause: Q. I’m Facing A Hysterectomy With Removal of My Ovaries, So I’m Going To Have An Induced Menopause. Is It Different From Natural Menopause?
  43. Menopause Matters
  44. Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  45. Menopause and Depression
  46. Menopause – Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  47. Menopause – What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  48. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  49. Menopause: Early (Premature) Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
  50. Menopause: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [Video Interview Stories]
  51. Menopause: Medicines To Help You
  52. Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
  53. Menopause: Non-Hormonal Treatment & Relief for Hot Flashes
  54. Menopause: Profiles: Early Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
  55. Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
  56. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  57. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  58. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  59. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
  60. Night Sweats
  61. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  62. Osteoporosis Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  63. Personal Stories
  64. Premature & Early Menopause
  65. Premature & Early Menopause – Fact Sheet
  66. Premature & Early Menopause: Management & Treatment of Premature & Early Menopausal Symptoms
  67. Premature & Early Menopause: Psychological Wellbeing & Emotions
  68. Premature & Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature & Early Menopause
  69. Premature & Early Menopause: Terminology
  70. Premature Ovarian Failure
  71. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  72. Premature and Early Menopause
  73. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
  74. Risks and Benefits of MHT/HRT
  75. Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
  76. Support After Early Menopause
  77. Supporting Women Through Menopause
  78. Surgical Menopause
  79. Surgical Menopause – Ask Dr Jean
  80. Testosterone Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  81. Types of Talking Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  82. Understanding Premature & Early Menopause – Booklet
  83. Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  84. Vaginal Dryness
  85. Vaginal Dryness
  86. Video Series-2020 – Bone Health What You Need To Know
  87. Video Series-2020 – What Women Need To Know About Heart Disease
  88. Video Series-2021 – Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
  89. Video Series-2021 – What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
  90. Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
  91. What Is Lynch Syndrome?
  92. What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Is It Safe?
  93. What It Means To Go Red for Women [+ Video]
  94. Will Menopause Affect My Sex Life? [+ Video]
  95. Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
  96. Women’s Wellness: Painful Sex After Menopause
  97. Women’s Wellness: Treating Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Without Hormones [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  98. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2018 – Patient Information Leaflet: Sexual Wellbeing After Menopause [Multiply Languages]
  99. World Menopause Day 2020 World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2019 – Patient Information Leaflet: Testosterone for Women At Midlife [Multiply Languages]
  100. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2020 – Patient Information Leaflet: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) [Multiply Languages]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted above?

You may find the Sources at:

Sources

  1. Premature & Early Menopause: What Is Premature & Early Menopause? Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 22 February 2021
  2. Menopause: Who Experiences Menopause? Last Updated: September 2016. Hormone Health Network https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/womens-health/menopause Accessed: 22 February 2021
  3. Premature & Early Menopause: What Is Premature & Early Menopause? Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 22 February 2021
  4. Premature & Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature & Early Menopause. Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 22 February 2021
  5. Early or Premature Menopause: What Causes Early or Premature Menopause? Medical Review 2017. Page Last Updated: 22 May 2018.  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: 22 February 2021
  6. Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: Definitions and Epidemiology. Content Updated September 2020. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/742-spontaneous-premature-ovarian-insufficiency Accessed: 22 February 2021
  7. Listen To Your Heart: Learn About Heart Disease – What Are Your Risk Factors for Heart Disease? Specific Risk factors Affecting Women. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-truth/listen-to-your-heart Accessed: 22 February 2021
  8. Mental Health & Emotions: Depression, Anxiety & Menopause. Last Updated: 22 October 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions/ Accessed: 22 February 2021
  9. Factors Affecting Women: Menopause. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/women/factors-affecting-women Accessed: 22 February 2021
  10. De Villiers, T. J., Hall, J. E., Pinkerton, J. V., Pérez, S. C., Rees, M., Yang, C. and Pierroz, D. D. Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefit/Risk Profile of MHT. Climacteric, 2016;19:4:314 https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/global-consensus-hrt-2016-06.pdf Accessed: 22 February 2021
  11. Early Menopause: Early Menopause Treatments. Page Last Reviewed: 02 February 2021. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/early-menopause/#treatments-for-early-menopause Accessed: 22 February 2021
  12. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Overview. Healthtalk Australia https://healthtalkaustralia.org/early-menopause-experiences-and-perspectives-of-women-and-health-professionals/overview-womens-experiences/ Accessed: 22 February 2021

Topic Last Updated: 11 March 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 22 February 2021
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