Early Menopause

In the past, women are worried how life would be as they age. Some are clueless what bodily changes take place when they get older. Some even complain of somewhat suffering from a disease after noticing they have irregular periods or experiencing hot flashes.

With more studies made on menopause, women are taught that the symptoms that they are experiencing are normal among aging individuals. In some people, early menopause or premature menopause is felt at an early age. Such terms are usually used interchangeably. Both these conditions fall under one category where symptoms and situations are similar like the end of the ovarian functions, cessation of menstruation and other menopausal symptoms.

Both conditions are linked based on age. Simply put, this means that early or premature menopause is characterized with the normal menopause symptoms felt my most women before they reach the average age for menopause, probably in their early 30s or 40s.

Technically, early menopause refers to experiencing menopause or the cessation of the menstruation for 12 months before reaching 45.

Meanwhile, premature menopause is menopause that occurs before age 40. If this kind of menopause happens after undergoing surgery, radiation treatment or chemotherapy, this type of menopause is known as premature ovarian failure. This is the result if your ovaries do not function properly. They stop to reproduce healthy eggs than they are expected to.

Basically, menopause is the time when your periods (menses) finally stop after 12 months. This happens as your ovaries have no more eggs and your body’s normal hormonal signals have deteriorated in function, damaged or surgically removed.

Before your menstrual cycle ceases, you experience a stage called perimenopause. This lasts for about two to six years on average, while some women have it at a shorter time. Once your menses have stopped for a year, you are already in your menopause.

Women age 51 usually have completed menopause. The age range in some women is 47 to 53. However, if you experience cessation of your menses earlier, this is either known as early menopause or premature menopause.

If you are not sure if you are already in your menopause, it is advised to consult your doctor. Usually, a hormonal test may be used to determine the level of your follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol or the main circulating estrogen. Symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irregular menstruation cycle etc. will also be asked to identify whether you are in your menopausal stage.

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Understanding Early Menopause Recommended Resources:

Massachusetts General Hospital

Southwestern Medical Center