Premature Menopause

Premature Menopause

“With premature menopause,
your periods stop before age 40.
You can no longer get pregnant”.1

Umbrella

What may the Premature Menopause Umbrella include?

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

  • Menopause Before the age of 40
  • Premature Menopause
  • Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)
  • Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency

Premature Menopause and Early Menopause

How are premature menopause and early menopause different?

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

Premature Menopause

What is premature menopause?

DotS the definition of premature menopause may vary. The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:



“Premature menopause is when your final period happens before the age of 40”.3

Premature Menopause and POI Differences

What are some premature menopause and POI differences?

In Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Symptoms & Causes – Overview the (United States) Mayo Clinic note:

“Sometimes, primary ovarian insufficiency is confused with premature menopause. But they aren’t the same. People with primary ovarian insufficiency can have irregular or occasional periods for years. They might even get pregnant. But people with premature menopause stop having periods and can’t become pregnant”.4

In Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Summary – What Is Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)? the (United States) MedlinePlus explain:

“POI is different from premature menopause. With premature menopause, your periods stop before age 40. You can no longer get pregnant. The cause can be natural or it can be a disease, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. With POI, some women still have occasional periods. They may even get pregnant. In most cases of POI, the cause is unknown”.5

Common or Not

How common is premature menopause?

In Premature Menopause the (United States) Menopause Society’s (formerly the North American Menopause Society) definition is:

“The normal age range of menopause is between 46 and 55 years However, about three in 100 women will go through menopause before age 40. This is known as premature menopause”.6

Premature Menopause Cause

What causes premature menopause?

In Early or Premature Menopause: Why Do Some Women Experience Early or Premature Menopause? the JH explain:

“Many of the causes of premature and early menopause are the same. In around half of all women with premature or early menopause, the cause is not known.

Some women experience menopause earlier than 45 years because of:

  • Surgery that removes the ovaries
  • Cancer treatments (e.g. chemotherapy, some types of radiotherapy)
  • Some autoimmune diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Some genetic disorders (e.g. Fragile X, Turner’s syndrome)
  • Some infections (e.g. mumps, HIV)
  • A family history of early menopause
  • Menstrual periods that started before the age of 11.

One way you can lower your risk of premature or early menopause is to make sure you don’t smoke”.7

Premature Menopause Symptoms

Are premature menopause symptoms similar to natural menopause symptoms?

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”.8

Hormone Therapy

Premature MenopauseIs hormone therapy recommended for crash 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”.9

Health Care Provider

What if I experience premature menopause?

The JH elaborate on:

“If you experience premature or early menopause, different health professionals can help you manage symptoms. For example, endocrinologists, gynaecologists and psychologists.

You should also see your doctor regularly over the years to check your health needs, medicines and any health risks”.10

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Premature Menopause?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Premature Menopause?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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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. BMS TV: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
  4. Premature MenopauseBioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  5. Build Better Bones.org [International Osteoporosis Foundation]
  6. Cancer Treatment – Early Menopause
  7. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  8. Complementary & Alternative Therapies: Non-Hormonal Treatments for Menopause Symptoms
  9. Complementary Medicines and Therapies for Hot Flushes
  10. Complementary Medicines and Therapies: Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Premature and Early Menopause
  12. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  13. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Nutrition At Menopause and Why It’s Important
  14. Daisy Network [United Kingdom]
  15. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  16. Early Menopause
  17. Early Menopause
  18. Early Menopause Due To Chemotherapy Radiotherapy
  19. Early Menopause and POI Resources
  20. Early Menopause and POI Resources: What Is POI?
    Premature Menopause
  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 or Premature Menopause
  25. Earlymenopause.org.nz [Early Menopause Support Group, New Zealand]
  26. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  27. Find A Practitioner [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  28. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  29. Five Things Young Women Need To Know About the Menopause
  30. Fragile X and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Webinar
  31. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  32. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  33. Guideline on Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
    Premature Menopause
  34. HRT Questions Answered
  35. Handling Hot Flushes and Night Sweats| Dr Louise Newson
  36. Hot Flashes
  37. Hot Flashes
  38. How Do You Know You’re In Menopause After A Hysterectomy?
  39. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause
  40. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [Other Languages and Formats]
  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] [Other Languages and Formats]
  42. Lynch Syndrome [+ Video: What Is Lynch Syndrome?]
  43. Lynch Syndrome
  44. Lynch Syndrome
  45. May Is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month!
    Premature Menopause
  46. Menopause
  47. Menopause
    Premature Menopause
  48. Menopause
    Premature Menopause
  49. Menopause Before 40 and Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
  50. Menopause Knowledge and Education In Women Under 40: Results From An Online Survey
  51. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Premature Menopause
  52. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Premature Menopause
  53. Menopause Q&A With Expert Cancer Support Specialists [+ Videos]: How Can I Manage Treatment-Induced Menopause? [Video]
  54. Menopause Q&A With Expert Cancer Support Specialists [+ Videos] [What Is Cancer Induced Menopause? [Video]
  55. Menopause Q&A With Expert Cancer Support Specialists [+ Videos] What Is Cancer Induced Menopause? [Video]
  56. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  57. Menopause Treatment Options After Cancer
  58. Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease and Using HRT To Treat Menopause Symptoms
  59. Menopause and Mental Health
  60. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]
  61. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]
  62. Mood and the Menopause
  63. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  66. Navigating Menopause Together: How Partners Can Help
  67. Navigating Menopause: Honest Answers To All Your Questions [+ Video: What To Expect in Menopause]
  68. Navigating Menopause Care Resource Guide
    Premature Menopause
  69. New Guidelines for Early Menopause Diagnosis and Management
  70. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  71. Online Events International Menopause Society]: IMS Partnership Symposia Series – Evaluating High-Risk Patients In Menopause At Risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
  72. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: IMS Partnership Symposia Series – Practical Application of the Guideline on Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
  73. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: IMS Partnership Symposia Series – What’s Hot? Options for Treatment of Hot Flushes 2025
  74. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2023: Genetic Causes of POI
  75. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2024: Recommendations on Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
  76. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: Lifestyle Medicine
  77. Online Events [International Menopause Society: Past Webinars – 2025: The Burn, the Itch, the Pain, the Urge: GSM In Women
  78. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: The New POI Guideline: What You Need To Know
  79. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations: Evidence-Based Management of Vasomotor Symptoms
  80. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Lifestyle, Diet, Exercise
  81. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Midlife Body Changes
  82. Optimising Health After Early Menopause
  83. POI/Early Menopause Due To Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
  84. Pathtogoodbonehealth.org [Your Path To Good Bone Health, Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
  85. Premature Menopause
  86. Premature Menopause Raises Long-Term Heart Risk By 40%
  87. Premature and Early Menopause
  88. Premature and Early Menopause
  89. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
  90. Supplements: What Works, What Doesn’t and the Truth About Menowashing
  91. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  92. Surgical Menopause
  93. Surprising Menopause Symptoms | Dr Louise Newson Live
  94. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy
  95. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Impending Menopause: How Can Fertility Be Preserved?
  96. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  97. Webinar: Early Menopause
  98. What Is the Difference Between Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause?
  99. Why Does Menopause Happen Early In Some Women
  100. Why Men Need To Understand The Menopause & Women’s Hormones | Dr Louise Newson
  101. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women – Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy [Multiply Languages]
  102. World Menopause Day 2025 [18 October]
    Premature Menopause Premature Menopause

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Primary Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Summary – What Is Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)? Last Updated: 21 May 2026. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/primaryovarianinsufficiency.html Accessed: 04 August 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: 04 August 2026
  3. Premature and Early Menopause: What Is Premature & Early Menopause? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/premature-and-early-menopause/ Accessed: 04 August 2026
  4. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 20 October 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-ovarian-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20354683 Accessed: 04 August 2026
  5. Primary Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Summary – What Is Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)? Last Updated: 21 January 2026. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/primaryovarianinsufficiency.html Accessed: 04 August 2026
  6. Premature Menopause. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/premature-menopause Accessed: 04 August 2026
  7. Premature and Early Menopause: Why Do Some Women Experience Premature and Early Menopause? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/premature-and-early-menopause/#section-symptoms-of-premature-and-early-menopause Accessed: 04 August 2026
  8. Premature and Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature and Early Menopause. Last Updated: 28 August 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/premature-and-early-menopause/ Accessed: 23 February 2026
  9. 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: 23 February 2026
  10. Premature and Early Menopause: What Causes Premature and Early Menopause? How To Manage Premature and Early Menopause? Last Updated: 28 August 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/premature-and-early-menopause/ Accessed: 23 February 2026
Topic Last Updated: 19 March 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 23 February 2026

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