Early Menopause

Early Menopause: Signs, Causes and What to Do

Early menopause is when your periods stop for good before the age of 45. When it happens before 40, it is called premature menopause. It can happen on its own or because of surgery or medical treatment. If you think you have early menopause, see a doctor, because it can affect your long-term health.

Please note: This page shares general health information in simple words. It is not medical advice. Every body is different, so talk to a doctor or gynaecologist before you try any treatment.

Key Facts About Early Menopause

  • Early menopause means periods stop before age 45.

  • Premature menopause means periods stop before age 40.

  • In India, the average age of menopause is about 46.

  • It can run in families. Smoking can also make it more likely.

  • Surgery to remove the ovaries and some cancer treatments can cause it.

  • Doctors usually advise hormone treatment until about age 51 to protect bones and heart.

What Is Early Menopause?

Menopause is when your periods stop because your ovaries make much less estrogen. For most women this happens between 45 and 55.

Early menopause is when this happens before 45. Your ovaries slow down sooner than usual. You stop having periods and you may get menopause symptoms.

What Is Premature Menopause?

Premature menopause is menopause that happens before the age of 40. It is less common than early menopause.

Sometimes doctors find that the ovaries have stopped working well before 40. This is called primary ovarian insufficiency, or POI. With POI, periods can sometimes come and go, so it is not always the same as menopause. A doctor can tell the difference.

What Are the Signs of Early Menopause?

The main sign is periods that become irregular or stop before you turn 45. You may also have other menopause symptoms, such as:

What Causes Early Menopause?

Sometimes there is no clear cause. Things that can make early menopause more likely include:

  • Family history. Your mother or sister had early menopause.

  • Starting your periods very young

  • Smoking

  • Being very underweight

  • Surgery to remove both ovaries

  • Some cancer treatments, like chemotherapy or radiotherapy

  • Some hormone medicines

When menopause starts because of surgery, it is called surgical menopause.

How Is Early Menopause Diagnosed?

A doctor will ask about your periods and symptoms. They may also do blood tests to check your hormone levels. One of these hormones is FSH. High FSH can mean your ovaries are slowing down.

Blood tests are useful when you are under 45, because many things can cause missed periods. A doctor will also check for other causes, like pregnancy or thyroid problems.

Sirona Menopause Test Kit

The Sirona Menopause Test Kit is a home urine test that checks for high FSH. Each kit has three tests, and results show in about 10 minutes. It can give you a first idea. But it cannot diagnose early menopause. If you are under 45 and your test shows high FSH, see a doctor.

How Is Early Menopause Treated?

Doctors usually advise hormone treatment for early menopause. This can be hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or a combined birth control pill. It replaces the hormones your body would normally make until the usual age of menopause.

Doctors usually advise taking it until at least age 51. This helps:

  • Ease symptoms like hot flashes

  • Protect your bones

  • Protect your heart

Hormone treatment is not safe for everyone, such as some women who have had certain breast cancers. Your doctor will help you choose.

Healthy habits help too. Stay active, eat calcium-rich foods like milk, curd and ragi, and do not smoke.

Why Does Early Menopause Need Care?

Estrogen helps protect your bones and heart. When menopause comes early, you have more years with low estrogen. This raises the risk of:

  • Osteoporosis, where bones become thin and break easily

  • Heart disease

This is why treatment and regular check-ups are so important.

Can You Get Pregnant After Early Menopause?

Getting pregnant naturally is much harder after early menopause. Some women with POI may still release an egg now and then. Options like IVF with your own frozen eggs or donor eggs may be possible. A fertility doctor can explain your choices.

When Should You See a Doctor?

See a doctor or gynaecologist if:

  • Your periods become irregular or stop before age 45.

  • You get menopause symptoms before 45.

  • You have had cancer treatment or ovary surgery and notice these changes.

  • Low mood or anxiety is affecting your life.

Related Terms

Shop menopause care: Sirona Menopause Collection

Sources

  1. NHS. Early menopause. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/early-menopause/

  2. NHS. When to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT). https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/when-to-take-hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/

  3. Ahuja M. Age of menopause and determinants of menopause age: A PAN India survey by IMS. Journal of Mid-Life Health, 2016. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5051232/

  4. MedlinePlus. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels test. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/follicle-stimulating-hormone-fsh-levels-test/

  5. NICE. Menopause: identification and management (NG23). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23

  6. Sirona Menopause Test Kit product page. https://thesirona.com/products/menopause-kit

Disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified doctor. It was written by the Sirona Content Team using the trusted medical sources listed above. Always talk to your doctor or gynaecologist about your symptoms and before starting any medicine, supplement or product. If you have heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing or severe pain, get medical help right away.