Menopause usually begins between 45 and 55 years of age, but some people may experience it as early as age 35. This is known as early menopause. Treatments for symptoms include supplements and hormone replacement therapy.
Menopause officially begins 12 months after your last menstrual period. Most people who menstruate reach menopause between
But for some people, menopause comes early.
If you’re between
Early menopause is menopause that begins between the ages of 40 and 45 years.
Premature menopause starts even earlier, before 40 years of age. Many doctors now refer to premature menopause as premature ovarian failure or primary ovarian insufficiency.
These terms may help reduce the stigma for younger people going through menopause.
Early menopause is relatively uncommon, and premature menopause is even less common. According to research cited in a 2022 review,
The symptoms of early menopause are similar to those of menopause that occurs at the expected age:
- irregular periods
- amenorrhea (the absence of periods)
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- vaginal dryness
- moodiness
- mental fogginess
- decreased sex drive
Irregular periods not related to menopause
If you haven’t had your period in 3 months or longer, you should contact your doctor. You may be experiencing amenorrhea.
Other reasons you might not get your period, besides menopause, include:
- stress
- pregnancy
- illness
- changes in diet or exercise
- a response to a medication or contraceptives
Early or premature menopause has two possible causes: follicle depletion (which means your eggs do not mature) and follicle dysfunction (which means your ovaries do not release eggs).
Either of these processes can cause your period to stop. These changes are expected when they happen later in life. But if they happen earlier than expected, your doctor will check for an underlying cause.
Follicle depletion and dysfunction can happen for a variety of
- Aging: The chance of early menopause rises after 35 years of age.
- Family history: If you have relatives who experienced early or premature menopause, you may be more likely to experience it.
- Health conditions: Turner syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and other chromosomal disorders can raise your risk. Autoimmune disorders such as thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes affect your ovaries as well.
- Toxins: Exposure to chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy for cancer can induce menopause.
- Infection: Certain infections, such as the mumps virus, HIV, and tuberculosis, can cause early menopause.
- Surgery: A procedure to remove your ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy) or your uterus (hysterectomy) may cause early menopause.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and your menstrual cycle.
They may also:
- ask about your history of exposure to toxins, such as chemotherapy and radiation treatments
- conduct a physical exam (including a pelvic exam)
- perform a pregnancy test
- check your blood for certain hormones, including:
- test your DNA for the genetic causes of early or premature menopause
Early or premature menopause can increase your chances of developing conditions
- Infertility: Most people who are going through early or premature menopause cannot get pregnant.
- Stress, anxiety, and depression: Infertility and other health issues related to early menopause can contribute to stress and the development of mental health conditions.
- Bone loss (osteoporosis): Osteoporosis is caused by low estrogen levels and increases your risk of bone fractures.
- Heart disease: Low estrogen levels can also contribute to heart disease.
Your doctor will recommend a treatment based on your situation. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and supplements are two common treatments for symptoms of early or premature menopause.
HRT
Supplemental estrogen and progestin from HRT can replace some of the reproductive hormones your body no longer makes on its own.
People often receive HRT until the average age of menopause to manage the uncomfortable symptoms of early menopause.
HRT also helps prevent bone loss and supports heart health.
But this treatment is not recommended for everyone because it can
It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of HRT with your doctor.
Supplemental calcium and vitamin D
Calcium and vitamin D supplements can help prevent osteoporosis if you’re not getting enough of these nutrients from your diet.
The National Institutes of Health recommends that everyone 19 through 50 years old consume
The recommended daily intake of vitamin D is
Some people who experience premature menopause can still get pregnant without any treatment.
If you want to have children but cannot become pregnant as a result of early or premature menopause, you may want to consider in-vitro fertilization using donor eggs. Alternatively, you might consider pursuing adoption.
Many people may find talking with a therapist helpful for coping with stress.
Going through early or premature menopause can be challenging. Consider joining a support group and talking with your doctor about your concerns.
By learning more about your condition, you can gain the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your treatment.
Early menopause is menopause that occurs when you’re 40 to 45 years old. Premature menopause starts before you’re 40.
It can be challenging to navigate the transition into early or premature menopause, which will have the same general symptoms as menopause would have at the expected age.
Treatments such as HRT, supplements, and talk therapy can help you manage any symptoms and cope with the transition. Resources are also available to help you cope with infertility if you experience it as a result of early or premature menopause.