Menopause between ages 40 and 44 is early menopause. Menopause before age 40 is premature menopause, also called primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Treatment can help relieve symptoms and protect your bones.
What is the difference between early and premature menopause?
Early menopause happens between ages 40 and 44. Premature menopause happens before age 40. Both can happen on their own or after medical treatment, such as surgery to remove both ovaries.
What causes early or premature menopause?
Sometimes there is no clear cause. Known causes include:
- A family history of early menopause
- Smoking
- Chemotherapy or pelvic radiation
- Surgery that removed both ovaries
- Autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease
- Genetic conditions, such as Turner syndrome
How is it diagnosed?
Tell your health care provider if your periods stop or become irregular before age 45. Your provider may order blood tests. Testing is most useful before age 40.
How does it affect your health?
Years without estrogen raise your risk of bone loss, heart disease, and diabetes.
Learning that you have early or premature menopause can also bring grief, especially about fertility. Counseling and support groups can help.
How is it treated?
If you have early or premature menopause, hormone therapy may help relieve symptoms and protect your bones. You and your provider can decide together whether hormone therapy is right for you.
Talk with your provider about which type of treatment is right for you and whether you also need birth control.