Early Menopause

Early Menopause

“If you go through premature or early menopause,
you will have menopausal symptoms that are similar to
women who go through “natural” menopause”.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?

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?

DotS the definition of early menopause may vary. In The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Definitions, published online 30 October 2023, the definition is:

  • “Early menopause is menopause before the age of 45 years (may not be appropriate in all populations)”.3

The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) definition is:


“Early menopause

  • is when your final menstrual period happens before the age of 45”.4

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:

“If you go through premature or early menopause, you will have menopausal symptoms that are similar to women who go through “natural” menopause.

You might have more severe symptoms because you have a more sudden drop in hormone levels”.5
Early Menopause

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 their own for no clear reason, or they 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…”.6

Common or Not

How common is early menopause?

In Premature and Early Menopause: What Is Premature and Early Menopause? the JH note:

“Around 1 in 10 women will go through premature or early menopause”.7

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 elaborate on:

  • “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. However, as women age, their risk for coronary heart disease increases. Taking hormones to relieve symptoms of menopause can further increase that risk. Women who experience early menopause, especially after surgical removal of the uterus, are more likely to develop heart disease than women of the same age who have not yet experienced menopause”.8

Depression

Is there an association between depression and early menopause?

In Premature and Early Menopause: How To Manage Premature and Early Menopause – Emotional Wellbeing the JH elaborate on:

“It’s important to talk to someone if you feel anxious or depressed after your diagnosis”.9

Hormone Therapy

Is hormone therapy recommended for early menopause?

On page three of Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy: 1. Who Is MHT For? Women With Existing Medical Conditions the International Menopause Society’s (IMS) Leaflet for Women for World Menopause Day 2024, the IMS explain:

“Deciding to use MHT is a personal choice and should involve discussions about the benefits and risks with a healthcare professional who knows your health history”.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.

Health Care Provider

What if I experience early menopause?

The JH elaborate on:

“Different health professionals can help you manage menopausal symptoms and your risk of longer term health issues. For example:

  • Endocrinologists (doctors who specialise in hormones)
  • Gynaecologists (doctors who specialise in reproductive health, or how the ovaries, uterus and vagina works)
  • Psychologists (a health care professional who specialises in emotional health).

You should also see your own doctor regularly over the years to check your health needs, medicines and any health risks”.12

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

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New or Updated

  1. 4Types of PCOS & What To Ask the Doctor
  2. ACOG Explains: Managing Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]
  3. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  4. BMS TV: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
  5. BMS TV: Osteoporosis
  6. Early MenopauseBioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  7. Build Better Bones.org [International Osteoporosis Foundation]
  8. Cancer Treatment – Early Menopause
  9. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  10. Complementary & Alternative Therapies: Non-Hormonal Treatments for Menopause Symptoms
  11. Complementary Medicines and Therapies for Hot Flushes
  12. Complementary Medicines and Therapies: Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  13. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Premature and Early Menopause
  14. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  15. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Nutrition At Menopause and Why It’s Important
  16. Daisynetwork.org [DaisyNetwork, United Kingdom]
  17. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Management
  18. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Menopause and Mental Health: Managing Anxiety, Depression, and Cognitive Changes
  19. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Sleep Disturbances In Menopause
  20. Early Menopause
  21. Early Menopause Linked To Increased Risk of Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis
  22. Early Menopause – Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy | Fact Sheet
  23. Early MenopauseEarly Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Overview
  24. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List
  25. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  26. Early or Premature Menopause
  27. Early or Premature Menopause
  28. Earlymenopause.org.nz [Early Menopause Support Group, New Zealand]
  29. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  30. Find A Practitioner [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  31. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  32. Finding the Right Hormone Treatments (HRT): Types, Doses and What Works
  33. Five Things Young Women Need To Know About the Menopause
  34. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  35. HRT Questions Answered
  36. HRT – Types, Doses and Regimens
  37. Handling Hot Flushes and Night Sweats| Dr Louise Newson
  38. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): A Summary
  39. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Benefits and Risks
  40. Hot Flashes
  41. How Can Early Menopause Affect My Health?
  42. How Do You Know You’re In Menopause After A Hysterectomy?
  43. How To Get the Most Out of Your Appointments — and Being Your Own Advocate | Dr Louise Newson [Video]
  44. How Vaginal Hormones Can Transform the Health of Women
  45. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause
  46. 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
  47. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [Other Languages and Formats]
  48. 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] [Other Languages and Formats]
  49. Lynch Syndrome
  50. Lynch Syndrome
  51. Menopausal Symptom Treatments
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    Early Menopause
  54. Menopause After Cancer Treatment
  55. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Early Menopause
  56. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Early Menopause
  57. Menopause Q&A With Expert Cancer Support Specialists [+ Videos]
  58. Menopause Q&A With Expert Cancer Support Specialists [+ Videos]: How Can I Manage Treatment-Induced Menopause? [Video]
  59. Menopause Q&A With Expert Cancer Support Specialists [+ Videos] [What Is Cancer Induced Menopause? [Video]
  60. Menopause Treatment Options After Cancer
  61. Menopause and Cancer
  62. Menopause and Mental Health
  63. Menopause: How To Talk To Your Doctor
  64. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]
  65. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]Early Menopause
  66. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  67. Navigating Menopause: Honest Answers To All Your Questions [+ Video: What To Expect in Menopause]
  68. Navigating Menopause Care Resource Guide
    Early Menopause
  69. New Guidelines for Early Menopause Diagnosis and Management
  70. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  71. Optimising Health After Early Menopause
  72. Online Events International Menopause Society]: IMS Partnership Symposia Series – Evaluating High-Risk Patients In Menopause At Risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
  73. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: IMS Partnership Symposia Series – What Is Sleep, What Is Menopause and How Do They Interact?
  74. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: IMS Partnership Symposia Series – What’s Hot? Options for Treatment of Hot Flushes 2025
  75. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: Lifestyle Medicine
  76. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: The Burn, the Itch, the Pain, the Urge: GSM In Women
  77. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations: Evidence-Based Management of Vasomotor Symptoms
  78. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Lifestyle, Diet, Exercise
  79. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Midlife Body Changes
  80. PCOS Has A New Name
  81. POI/Early Menopause Due To Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
  82. Pathtogoodbonehealth.org [Your Path To Good Bone Health]
  83. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
  84. Premature and Early Menopause
  85. Premature and Early Menopause
  86. Premature and Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature and Early Menopause
  87. Premature and Early Menopause: What Causes Premature and Early Menopause
  88. Resources: Fact Sheets [Multiply Languages]
    Early Menopause
  89. Supplements: What Works, What Doesn’t and the Truth About Menowashing
  90. Surprising Menopause Symptoms | Dr Louise Newson Live
  91. The Menopause Society Show: Menopause & Sexual Desire
  92. Tip Sheet: What To Know About Post-Menopause Health Risks
  93. Understanding the Connection Between Early Menopause and Heart Disease Risk
  94. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Impending Menopause: How Can Fertility Be Preserved? [November 2025]
  95. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  96. Webinar: Early Menopause
  97. What Is the Difference Between Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause?
  98. Why Does Menopause Happen Early In Some Women [Video]
  99. Why Men Need To Understand The Menopause & Women’s Hormones | Dr Louise Newson
  100. World Menopause Day 2025 [18 October]
    Menopause Stages Early Menopause
  101. Your Daily Dose: Let’s Unpack Menopause

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. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/premature-and-early-menopause/ Accessed: 30 June 2026
  2. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause. Last Updated: 20 November 2025. 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: 30 June 2026
  3. Davis, S. R., Taylor, S., Hemachandra, C., Magraith, K., Ebeling, P. R., Jane, F., and Islam, R. M. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Definitions. First Published Online: 30 October 2023 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2023.2258783 Accessed: 30 June 2026
  4. Premature and Early Menopause: What Is Premature and Early Menopause? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/premature-and-early-menopause/ Accessed: 30 June 2026
  5. Premature and Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature and Early Menopause. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/premature-and-early-menopause/ Accessed: 30 June 2026
  6. Early or Premature Menopause: What Causes Early or Premature Menopause? Page Last Updated: 11 March 2025.  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: 30 June 2026
  7. Premature and Early Menopause: What Is Premature and Early Menopause? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/premature-and-early-menopause/ Accessed: 30 June 2026
  8. Coronary Heart Disease: Women and Heart Disease – Why Does Coronary Heart Disease Affect Women Differently? Last Updated: 27 December 2024. 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: 30 June 2026
  9. Premature and Early Menopause: How To Manage Premature and Early Menopause – Emotional Wellbeing. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/premature-and-early-menopause/ Accessed: 30 June 2026
  10. Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy: 1. Who Is MHT For? Women With Existing Medical Conditions. 2024:4. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-WMD-Leaflet_English.pdf Accessed: 30 June 2026
  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: 30 June 2026
  12. Premature and Early Menopause: How To Manage Premature and Early Menopause. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/premature-and-early-menopause/ Accessed: 30 June 2026
Topic Last Updated: 29 July 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 30 June 2026

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