Early Menopause

“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”.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 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 – 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?

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: 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”.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. 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. ‘Breaking the Silence’ on Early Menopause
  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. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  11. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  12. Daisy Network [United Kingdom]
  13. EMAS Menopause Essentials
  14. EMAS Position Statement: Predictors of Premature and Early Natural Menopause [European Menopause and Andropause Society]
  15. EMAS Replay: Risk Assessment for MHT – When, To Whom, Which, and How Long? [Multiply Languages]
  16. Early Menopause
  17. Early Menopause
  18. Early Menopause Due To Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
  19. Early Menopause Linked To Higher Risk of Future Coronary Heart Disease
  20. Early Menopause – Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
  21. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Overview
  22. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List
  23. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  24. Early Natural Menopause Is Associated With Poor Lung Health and Increased Mortality Among Female Smokers [04 August 2022]
  25. Early or Premature Menopause
  26. Earlymenopause.org.nz [Early Menopause Support Group, New Zealand]
  27. Factors Affecting Women: Menopause
  28. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  29. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  30. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  31. HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  32. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  33. HRT: Types, Doses and Regimens
  34. Health After Menopause
  35. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  36. Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
  37. How Menopause Impacts Your Health
  38. 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 [10 June 2022]
  39. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Only Happens In Your 50s]
  40. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  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. Learning To Cope With Hot Flashes
  43. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  44. Lynchsyndrome.org.au
  45. Maintaining Your Weight and Health During and After Menopause
  46. Managing Menopausal Symptoms—Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Not the Only Option!
  47. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video]
  48. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  49. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Sexual Health After Cancer Treatment [+ Video]
  50. Menopause
  51. Menopause
  52. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  53. Menopause FAQs: Premature, Early, and Induced Menopause
  54. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Early Menopause
  55. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Early Menopause
  56. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  57. Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  58. Menopause and Depression
  59. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  60. Mood and the Menopause
  61. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  62. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
  63. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  64. Non-Hormonal Alternatives for Menopause
  65. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  66. Premature & Early Menopause [+ Video]
  67. Premature & Early Menopause – Fact Sheet
  68. Premature & Early Menopause: Management & Treatment of Premature & Early Menopausal Symptoms
  69. Premature & Early Menopause: Psychological Wellbeing & Emotions
  70. Premature & Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature & Early Menopause
  71. Premature & Early Menopause: Terminology
  72. Premature Ovarian Failure
  73. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  74. Premature and Early Menopause
  75. Premature and Early Menopause
  76. Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
  77. Support After Early Menopause
  78. Surgical Menopause
  79. Surgical Menopause – Ask Dr Jean
  80. Taking Care of Your Mental Health
  81. Transformations: The Mental Health Issues That Can Accompany Menopause Often Go Unaddressed
  82. Tricky Periods: What’s ‘Normal’ and What’s Not
  83. Types of Talking Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  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. Video Series-2022: Understanding Screening Guidelines for Breast Cancer and the Importance of Identifying Risk Factors
  92. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancer
  93. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Is Menopause Brain Fog Real?
  94. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Is Testosterone the Answer To Low Libido?
  95. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: The Menopause Blues
  96. Webinars: Previous – Dealing With A Big Issue: Weight Gain At Midlife
  97. Webinars: Previous – Predictors of Premature and Early Natural Menopause
  98. Webinars: Previous – The Early Menopausal Patient
  99. What Is Lynch Syndrome?
  100. Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
  101. World Menopause Day 2021 – Patient Information Leaflet: Update on Bone Health [Multiply Languages]
    Early Menopause

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: 24 March 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 26 June 2022
  2. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause. Last Updated: 10 May 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: 26 June 2022
  3. Premature & Early Menopause: What Is Premature & Early Menopause? Last Updated: 24 March 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 26 June 2022
  4. Premature & Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature & Early Menopause. Last Updated: 24 March 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 26 June 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: 26 June 2022
  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: 26 June 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: 26 June 2022
  8. Mental Health & Emotions: Depression, Anxiety & Menopause. Last Updated: 28 June 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions/ Accessed: 26 June 2022
  9. Factors Affecting Women: Menopause. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/women/factors-affecting-women Accessed: 26 June 2022
  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: 26 June 2022
  11. 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: 26 June 2022
Topic Last Updated: 10 August 2022 – Topic Last Reviewed: 26 June 2022

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by