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?Early 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: Symptoms of 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 Coronary Heart Disease: Women and Heart Disease – Why Does Coronary Heart Disease Affect Women Differently? the (United States) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute note:

  • “Hormone changes may affect a woman’s risk for coronary heart disease. Before menopause, the hormone estrogen provides women with some protection against heart disease. This may be because estrogen keeps the arteries flexible or because estrogen may have beneficial effects on blood lipids. As women age, though, their risk for coronary heart disease increases, and menopausal hormone therapy may further increase that risk. Women who experience early menopause, especially after a hysterectomy, are more likely to develop heart disease than women of the same age who have not yet experienced menopause”.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: Managing 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 online 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 A-Z 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.

New or Updated

  1. ACOG Explains: Managing Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]
  2. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  3. Association of Age At Menopause and Hormone Therapy Use With Tau and β-Amyloid Positron Emission Tomography
  4. Association of Plant-Based Diet and Early Onset of Natural Menopause
  5. BMS TV: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
  6. BMS TV: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  7. BMS TV: Menopause – Weight Gain, Nutrition and Lifestyle
  8. BMS TV: Osteoporosis
  9. BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
  10. Healthy AgingBioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  11. Bone Health In Women With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency/Early Menopause: A 23-Year Longitudinal Analysis
  12. Build Better Bones.org [International Osteoporosis Foundation]
  13. Cancer Treatment – Early Menopause
  14. Care, Choice, Complexities: The Circulations of Hormone Therapy In Early Menopause
  15. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  16. Daisy Network [United Kingdom]
  17. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  18. Dr Louise Newson: The Truth About the Menopause & HRT
  19. Early Menopause
  20. Early Menopause
  21. Early Menopause Due To Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
  22. Early and Premature Menopause [Video]
  23. Early Menopause – Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
  24. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Overview
  25. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List
  26. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  27. Early Natural Menopause Is Associated With Poor Lung Health and Increased Mortality Among Female Smokers
  28. Early or Premature Menopause
  29. Earlymenopause.org.nz [Early Menopause Support Group, New Zealand]
  30. Exploring the Triggers of Premature and Early Menopause In India: A Comprehensive Analysis Based on National Family Health Survey, 2019-2021
  31. Factors Affecting Women: Menopause
  32. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  33. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  34. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  35. Hot Flashes
  36. Hot Flashes
  37. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  38. Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms
  39. How Menopause Impacts Your Health
  40. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E9: The Menopause: Can Every Woman That Wants It Have HRT?
  41. 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
  42. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Only Happens In Your 50s]
  43. 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]
  44. Lynchsyndrome.org.au
  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 Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Early Menopause
  50. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Early Menopause
  51. Menopause Mindfulness: Understanding the Many Paths To Menopause
  52. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  53. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  54. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  55. Menopause Ruining Your Sex Life?
  56. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  57. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  58. Menopause and Mental Health
  59. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP #256
  60. Mood and the Menopause
  61. Navigating Menopause Together: How Partners Can Help
  62. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  63. New Guidelines for Early Menopause Diagnosis and Management
  64. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  65. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  66. Optimising Health After Early Menopause
  67. Pathtogoodbonehealth.org [Your Path To Good Bone Health, Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
  68. Premature Ovarian Failure
  69. Premature and Early Menopause
  70. Premature and Early Menopause
  71. Premature and Early Menopause
  72. Premature and Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature and Early Menopause
  73. Premature and Early Menopause: What Causes Premature and Early Menopause
  74. Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
  75. Study Author on Early Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy
  76. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  77. Study Author on Early Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy
  78. The Lancet: Series From the Lancet Journal – Menopause 2024
  79. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  80. Therapy Could Be Effective Treatment for Non-Physical Symptoms of Menopause
  81. Therapy for the Effects of Menopause
  82. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  83. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  84. Vaginal Dryness
  85. Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
  86. Video Series-2023: Menopause and Heart Disease
  87. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  88. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  89. Video Series-2023: Premature and Early Menopause
  90. Video Series-2024: Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  91. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  92. Webinars: Previous – Approach To Bone Health In the Perimenopause and Postmenopause?
  93. Webinars: Previous – Predictors of Premature and Early Natural Menopause
  94. Webinars: Previous – The Early Menopausal Patient
  95. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  96. What Is Lynch Syndrome?
  97. When Menopause Comes Early: Symptoms & Treatment
  98. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  99. World Menopause Day
  100. World Menopause Day [18 October 2023]: Patient Information Leaflet

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted above?

You may find the Sources at:

Sources

  1. Premature and Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature and Early Menopause. Last Updated: 07 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 18 January 2024
  2. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause. Last Updated: 22 March 2023. 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: 18 January 2024
  3. Premature and Early Menopause. Last Updated: 07 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 18 January 2024
  4. Premature and Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature and Early Menopause. Last Updated: 07 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 18 January 2024
  5. Early or Premature Menopause: What Causes Early or Premature Menopause? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022.  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 January 2024
  6. Premature and Early Menopause. Last Updated: 07 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 18 January 2024
  7. Coronary Heart Disease: Women and Heart Disease – Why Does Coronary Heart Disease Affect Women Differently? Last Updated 07 December 2023. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heart-disease/women#Why-does-coronary-heart-disease-affect-women-differently? Accessed: 18 January 2024
  8. Factors Affecting Women: Menopause. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/women/factors-affecting-women Accessed: 18 January 2024
  9. Premature and Early Menopause: Managing Premature and Early Menopause – Emotional Wellbeing. Last Updated: 07 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 18 January 2024
  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: 18 January 2024
  11. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. 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 Online 10 June 2022:2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 18 January 2024
  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: 18 January 2024
  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: 18 January 2024
  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: 18 January 2024
Topic Last Updated: 12 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 18 January 2024

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