What is early menopause?

Early menopause is when your last monthly period occurs between the ages of 40 and 45 years.

When menopause occurs before the age of 40 years, it is called ‘premature menopause’.

In Australia, the average age at menopause is 51 years.

What are the symptoms of early menopause?

Symptoms of early menopause are like those of normal menopause:

• your periods become less frequent and stop
• hot flushes or night sweats
• insomnia (problems sleeping)
• lower energy levels and tiredness
• pain in your muscles or joints
• vaginal dryness and urinary (wee) symptoms
• mood changes — you may feel anxious, upset, sad or angry more often

When early menopause is caused by surgery or cancer treatment it may be called ‘induced menopause’.

When menopause starts suddenly, your symptoms may be more severe than normal menopause.

What causes early menopause?

For most people the cause of early menopause is often unknown. Although early menopause can sometimes run in families. It can also be due to:

• premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
• chromosomal differences — Turner syndrome
• autoimmune diseases — such as thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes
• infections — such as tuberculosis or mumps

Early menopause can also be caused by some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This may be temporary or permanent.

Premature or early menopause can also be caused by surgery that removes your ovaries.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have symptoms you think may be due to menopause or that you are worried about.

Talk to your doctor if you are younger than 45 years and haven’t had your period for more than 3 months.

How is early menopause diagnosed?

Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and ask about your medical history.

Your doctor will arrange for you to have some tests such as:

• a pregnancy test
• blood tests — for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• an ultrasound scan

Your doctor may also check that you are up to date with your breast screening and cervical screening.

Your doctor may refer you to:

• an endocrinologist (hormone doctor)
• a gynaecologist (doctor who manages conditions that affect the female reproductive system)
• a psychologist or psychiatrist

How is early menopause treated?

If you are affected by early menopause, it’s important to get medical support.

This can help you manage your menopause symptoms. It can also help reduce your risk of developing other long-term conditions caused by a lack of oestrogen.

Your doctor will consider your symptoms, risk factors and family history.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy may be recommended. This is usually menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) or the pill.

Hormone therapy can help lower your risk of osteoporosis and early onset cardiovascular disease.

The pill or MHT may not be recommended for some females, such as those who have or have had breast cancer.

Managing emotional wellbeing

Premature or early menopause can be very upsetting. You may find talking to a psychologist helpful.

Can I still get pregnant?

Talk to your doctor about your fertility and whether you may need to use contraception.

Can early menopause be prevented?

Early menopause can’t be prevented.

Complications of early menopause

Females who go through premature or early menopause may have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Resources and support

For more information and support, you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To find an Australian doctor who specialises in menopause and healthy ageing, visit the Australasian Menopause Society website.

Other languages

Do you speak a language other than English?

• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health has fact sheets on menopause and women’s health translated into several community languages.
• The International Menopause Society has videos explaining menopause subtitled in Vietnamese, Cantonese and Mandarin.