“Early menopause describes menopause occurring in women aged 40 to 45 years and is experienced by approximately 5% of women”.1

Umbrella
What may the Early Menopause Umbrella include?

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

  • Early Menopause
  • Premature Menopause

Same or NotEarly Menopause

Is early menopause the same as premature menopause?

No. 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?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’ 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?

On page two in The North American Menopause Society Recommendations for Clinical Care of Midlife Women the authors note:

“Early menopause describes menopause occurring in women aged 40 to 45 years and is experienced by approximately 5% 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? the (United States) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute note:

Early Menopause

“Women who have gone through early menopause, either naturally or because they have had a hysterectomy, are twice as likely to develop heart disease as women of the same age who have not yet gone through menopause. Another reason for the increasing risk is that middle age is a time when women tend to develop risk factors for heart disease”.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. Your 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, your 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.

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 Early Menopause
  10. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  11. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  12. Daisynetwork.org.uk [Daisy Network]
  13. EMAS Position Statement: Predictors of Premature and Early Natural Menopause [European Menopause and Andropause Society]
  14. Early Menopause
  15. Early Menopause
  16. Early Menopause Due To Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
  17. Early Menopause – Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
  18. Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners – Overview
  19. Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List Early Menopause Question Prompt List
  20. Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners – Women’s Profiles
  21. Early Menopause: New Digital Resources for Women and Health Professionals [July 2020]
  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. Heart Disease: It’s Not Just for Men – Questions To Ask Your Doctor
  29. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  30. Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
  31. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
  32. Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
  33. Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
  34. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  35. Listen To Your Heart: Learn About Heart Disease – What Are Your Risk Factors for Heart Disease?
  36. Lynchsyndrome.org.au
  37. Maintaining Your Weight and Health During and After Menopause
  38. Making Sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Means Understanding the Benefits As Well As the Risks
  39. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  40. Early Menopause Menopause FAQs: Premature, Early, and Induced Menopause
  41. 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?
  42. Menopause Matters
  43. Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  44. Menopause and Depression
  45. Menopause – Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  46. Menopause – What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  47. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  48. Menopause: Early (Premature) Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
  49. Menopause: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [Video Interview Stories]
  50. Menopause: Medicines To Help You
  51. Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
  52. Menopause: Non-HRT and Lifestyle Options [Video Interview Stories]
  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 – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopausal Symptoms
  60. Night Sweats
  61. Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  62. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  63. Osteoporosis Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  64. Personal Stories
  65. Premature & Early Menopause
  66. Premature & Early Menopause – Fact Sheet
  67. Premature & Early Menopause: Management & Treatment of Premature & Early Menopausal Symptoms
  68. Premature & Early Menopause: Psychological Wellbeing & Emotions
  69. Premature & Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature & Early Menopause
  70. Premature & Early Menopause: Terminology
  71. Premature Ovarian Failure
  72. Premature and Early Menopause
  73. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
  74. Recent Review Confirms Safety of Low Dose Vaginal Estrogen: July 2019
  75. Risks and Benefits of MHT/HRT
  76. Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
  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-2019 – Talking To Your Clinician About Sexual Health Concerns
  87. Video Series-2020 – Bone Health What You Need To Know
  88. Video Series-2020 – How To Talk To Your Primary Care Clinician About Your Overall Health
  89. Video Series-2020 – What Women Need To Know About Heart Disease
  90. Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
  91. What Is Lynch Syndrome?
  92. What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Is It Safe?
  93. What Is POI (Premature Ovarian Insufficiency)
  94. What It Means To Go Red for Women [+ Video]
  95. Will Menopause Affect My Sex Life? [+ Video]
  96. Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
  97. Women’s Wellness: Painful Sex After Menopause
  98. Women’s Wellness: Treating Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Without Hormones [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  99. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2018 – Patient Information Leaflet: Sexual Wellbeing After Menopause [Multiply Languages]
  100. Early MenopauseWorld Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2019 – Patient Information Leaflet: Testosterone for Women At Midlife [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: 14 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 18 June 2020
  2. Menopause: Who Experiences Menopause? Last Updated: September 2016. Hormone Health Network https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/womens-health/menopause Accessed: 18 June 2020
  3. Premature & Early Menopause: What Is Premature & Early Menopause? Last Updated: 14 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 18 June 2020
  4. Premature & Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature & Early Menopause. Last Updated: 14 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 18 June 2020
  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: 18 June 2020
  6. Shifren, J. L. and Gass, M. L. S. for the NAMS Recommendations for Clinical Care of Midlife Women Working Group. The North American Menopause Society Recommendations of Clinical Care of Midlife Women. Chapter 1: Menopause – Overview of Menopause. Key Points: 5. Menopause, Vol 21 No 10, 2014:2. https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/2014/nams-recomm-for-clinical-care.pdf Accessed: 18 June 2020
  7. Listen To Your Heart: Learn About Heart Disease – What Are Your Risk Factors for 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: 18 June 2020
  8. Mental Health & Emotions: Depression, Anxiety & Menopause. Last Updated: 14 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions/ Accessed: 18 June 2020
  9. Factors Affecting Women: Menopause. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/women/factors-affecting-women Accessed: 18 June 2020
  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/manage/images/pdf/ba6379e868044bec13015ac2b84f2753.pdf Accessed: 18 June 2020
  11. Early Menopause: Early Menopause Treatments. Page Last Reviewed: 08 December 2017. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/early-menopause/#treatments-for-early-menopause Accessed: 18 June 2020
Topic Last Updated: 29 July 2020 – Topic Last Reviewed: 18 June 2020
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