Early menopause: symptoms, causes, and when to see a doctor

Learn what early menopause is, what symptoms it can cause, why it occurs, and when it is important to consult a gynecologist.

Early menopause occurs when ovarian function decreases and menstruation disappears before the usual age. It is a sensitive medical issue, especially if it appears before 40 or 45 years old, because it can affect fertility, bone health, cardiovascular health, and emotional well-being.

If you suspect early menopause, it is not advisable to try to resolve it with supplements or wait without evaluation. The appropriate action is to consult a gynecologist to confirm the cause and decide on follow-up.

This content is informative and does not replace consultation with a healthcare professional.

What is early menopause

Early menopause is usually talked about when menopause appears before the age of 45. When it occurs before 40, it is often called premature ovarian insufficiency or premature menopause, depending on the clinical context.

Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without menstruation, but in young women, waiting without evaluation is not advised if there is absence of menstruation or significant symptoms.

Difference between early menopause and premature menopause

TermApproximate AgeComment
—:
Early menopauseBefore 45 years oldRequires medical evaluation
Premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiencyBefore 40 years oldRequires specific study and follow-up

Symptoms of early menopause

They can resemble those of perimenopause:

  • Irregular periods or absence of menstruation;
  • Hot flashes;
  • Night sweats;
  • Insomnia;
  • Vaginal dryness;
  • Mood changes;
  • Fatigue;
  • Decreased sexual desire;
  • Difficulty becoming pregnant.

These symptoms can also have other causes, so it is important to investigate them.

Possible causes

Early menopause may be related to genetics, autoimmune diseases, treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, ovarian surgery, ovary removal, rare infections, or other medical conditions. In some cases, no clear cause is identified.

How it is diagnosed

Diagnosis may include medical history, menstrual pattern, symptoms, pregnancy test, hormonal analysis, and other tests depending on the case. The doctor may also assess thyroid, prolactin, autoimmunity, or other factors.

Fertility and early menopause

Early menopause can affect fertility, but each case is different. If you want to get pregnant or preserve reproductive options, it is advisable to seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Treatments and medical follow-up

Treatment depends on age, symptoms, cause, history, and goals of each woman. The doctor can consider hormone therapy, support for bone health, fertility, cardiovascular health, sexual health, and emotional well-being.

It is not advisable to present supplements as a solution for early menopause.

When to consult a doctor

Consult if you are under 45 years old and menstruation disappears or becomes very irregular, if you have intense symptoms, if you try to get pregnant without success, or if you have hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or night sweats before 40 years old.

Frequently asked questions

Is early menopause the same as perimenopause?

No. Perimenopause is a common transition before menopause. Early menopause occurs before the usual age and requires evaluation.

Can it affect fertility?

Yes, it can affect fertility. If pregnancy is desired, it is advisable to consult early.

Can supplements solve it?

No. They should not be presented as a solution. Early menopause requires medical evaluation.

Is treatment necessary?

It depends on the case. The doctor will assess symptoms, age, bone health, history, and risks.

When is it urgent to consult?

If there is absence of menstruation before 40, intense symptoms, pain, abnormal bleeding, or suspicion of pregnancy.

You may also be interested in

Tatiana Novichkova

Tatiana Novichkova

Articles: 85
¡Bienvenido a Brigh Naturo!

¡Bienvenido a Brigh Naturo!

I will be back soon

¡Bienvenido a Brigh Naturo!
Por favor comparte algunos detalles sobre tu pregunta a continuación.

Durante las horas de oficina respondemos a la mayoría de los chats en menos de cinco minutos. Si no podemos localizar a un agente en vivo le responderemos al correo electrónico proporcionado a continuación.
Whatsapp