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 40
  • Premature Menopause
  • Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)
  • Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency

Premature Menopause and Early Menopause

Is premature menopause the same as early menopause?Premature MenopausePremature 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

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

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

What is premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)?

DotS the definition of POI may vary. In Menopause Before 40 and Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) elaborate on:

Premature Menopause“Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a loss of function of the ovaries in women who are less than 40 years of age. The ovaries do not release eggs regularly and do not produce usual amounts of oestrogen.

Women with spontaneous POI have irregular or no menstrual periods. Women may or may not have menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes.

Up to 4% of women will spontaneously have POI and enter menopause before the age of 40. Spontaneous early menopause (menopause between 40 and 45 years) affects approximately 12 in every 100 women.4

In Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: Definitions and Epidemiology the AMS also note:

“POI may also be referred to as primary ovarian insufficiency, premature menopause or premature/ primary ovarian failure)”.5

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”.6

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”.7

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”.8

Premature Menopause Cause

What causes premature menopause?

In Premature and Early Menopause: What Causes Premature and Early Menopause? Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) the JH elaborate on POI and other causes:

“Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) can cause premature and early menopause”.9

Premature Menopause Symptoms

Are the symptoms of premature menopause the same as for menopause?

Yes and no. In Premature and Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature & 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”.10

Premature Menopause

Hormone Therapy

Early 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”.11

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have premature menopause or POI or POF?

If you think you have premature menopause or POI or POF, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Premature and Early Menopause the European Menopause and Andropause Society note:

“Referral to specialist menopause, fertility and assisted reproduction professionals should be discussed with the patient”.12

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

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. Bones BMS TV: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
  4. Bioidentical 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. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  9. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Premature and Early Menopause
  11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Menopause
  12. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  13. Daisy Network [United Kingdom]
  14. EMAS Position Statement: Predictors of Premature and Early Natural Menopause [European Menopause and Andropause Society]
  15. Early Menopause
  16. Early Menopause
  17. Early Menopause Due To Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
  18. Early Menopause and POI Resources: What Is POI?
  19. Early Menopause – Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
  20. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Overview
  21. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List
  22. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  23. Early or Premature Menopause
  24. Earlymenopause.org.nz [Early Menopause Support Group, New Zealand]
  25. Exploring the Triggers of Premature and Early Menopause In India: A Comprehensive Analysis Based on National Family Health Survey, 2019-2021 [06 February 2024]
  26. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  27. Find An AMS Member [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  28. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  29. Fragile X and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Webinar
  30. Guidance on Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  31. Guideline on Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
  32. HRT Questions Answered
  33. Hot Flashes
  34. Hot Flashes
  35. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  36. How Do You Know You’re In Menopause After A Hysterectomy?
  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
  39. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [Other Languages and Formats]
  40. 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]
  41. Lynch Syndrome [+ Video: What Is Lynch Syndrome?]
  42. Lynch Syndrome
  43. Lynch Syndrome
  44. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video]
  45. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  46. Menopause
  47. Menopause
    Premature Menopause
  48. Menopause Knowledge and Education In Women Under 40: Results From An Online Survey
  49. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Premature Menopause
  50. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Premature Menopause
  51. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  52. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  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 Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  56. Menopause Treatment Options After Cancer
  57. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  58. Menopause and Mental Health
  59. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
    Hormone Therapy
  60. Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] [07 November 2024]
  61. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP #256
  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: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  68. Navigating Menopause: Honest Answers To All Your Questions [+ Video: What To Expect in Menopause]
  69. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  70. Optimising Health After Early Menopause
  71. Pathtogoodbonehealth.org [Your Path To Good Bone Health, Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
  72. Premature Menopause
  73. Premature and Early Menopause
  74. Premature and Early Menopause
  75. Premature and Early Menopause [+ Video]
  76. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
  77. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
  78. Surgical Menopause
  79. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  80. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy [September 2024]
    Premature Menopause
  81. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  82. Therapy Could Be Effective Treatment for Non-Physical Symptoms of Menopause
  83. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  84. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  85. Vaginal Dryness
  86. Video Resource: Menopause and Health Living – What Is Early Menopause? [Multiple Languages]
  87. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  88. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Metabolic Syndrome in Midlife Women
  89. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Heart Disease, Risk Factors of Developing Heart Disease, and Can I Take Hormones?
  90. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – When Your Periods Leave Too Early
  91. Webinars: Previous – Genetic Causes of POI
  92. Webinars: Previous – Predictors of Premature and Early Natural Menopause
  93. Webinars: Previous – Recommendations on Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
  94. Webinars: Previous – Sexual Dysfunctions, Update on Gynae Cancers and Management
  95. Webinars: Previous – The Early Menopausal Patient
  96. Webinars: Previous – The New POI Guideline: What You Need To Know
  97. What Is POI (Premature Ovarian Insufficiency)
  98. When Menopause Comes Early: Symptoms & Treatment
  99. Why Does Menopause Happen Early In Some Women
  100. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women [Multiply Languages]

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: 13 August 2024. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/primaryovarianinsufficiency.html Accessed: 17 December 2024
  2. Early and Premature Menopause. Last Updated: 22 March 2023. NHS Inform https://nhsinform-n1.azurewebsites.net/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/early-and-premature-menopause Accessed: 17 December 2024
  3. Premature and Early Menopause: What Is Premature & Early Menopause? Last Updated: 28 August 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 17 December 2024
  4. Menopause Before 40 and Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Content Updated: October 2020. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/menopause-before-40-and-spontaneous-poi Accessed: 17 December 2024
  5. 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: 17 December 2024
  6. 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: 17 December 2024
  7. Primary Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Summary – What Is Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)? Last Updated: 13 August 2024. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/primaryovarianinsufficiency.html Accessed: 17 December 2024
  8. Premature Menopause. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/premature-menopause Accessed: 17 December 2024
  9. Premature and Early Menopause: What Causes Premature and Early Menopause? Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). Last Updated: 28 August 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 17 December 2024
  10. Premature and Early Menopause: Symptoms of Premature and Early Menopause. Last Updated: 28 August 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause/ Accessed: 17 December 2024
  11. 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: 14 December 2024
  12. Premature and Early Menopause. 2022. European Menopause and Andropause Societyhttps://emas-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Premature-and-early-menopause.pdf Accessed: 17 December 2024
Topic Last Updated: 24 January 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 17 December 2024

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