When Menopause Comes Too Soon: What To Know About Early And Premature Menopause

Menopause is a natural part of life. But when it begins earlier than expected, it can bring uncertainty and questions. Whether it starts in your early 40s or before 40, you’re not alone — early and premature menopause are more common than you might think.

In this article, we’ll explain the differences between early and premature menopause, the reasons they occur, common symptoms and how to care for your whole self during this transition.

Key Takeaways

• Early or premature menopause can cause symptoms like hot flashes and irregular periods, but your OBGYN can help you manage them and protect your health.
• Lower estrogen from early menopause can affect your bones, heart and mood, but treatment and healthy habits can make a big difference.
• Franciscan Health offers whole-person care to support your body, mind and spirit through every stage of menopause.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause happens when women stop having menstrual periods.

Before menopause, a woman’s body makes hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that control her period and her ability to get pregnant. As she gets older, her body produces less of these hormones, and her periods become less regular.

When she hasn’t had a period for 12 months in a row, she has reached menopause. After that, a woman can no longer become pregnant naturally.

Most women go through menopause between the ages of 46 and 55. For some, however, it occurs earlier. We call this early menopause or premature menopause.

It’s important to know the difference.

Early vs. Premature Menopause: What's The Difference?

The main difference comes down to age. Premature menopause happens before age 40. Early menopause typically occurs between the ages of 40 and 45.

According to The Menopause Society™, about three in 100 women will go through menopause before the age of 40.

Early menopause can occur naturally or because of medical treatments like chemotherapy, radiation or surgery that removes or damages both ovaries. Sometimes, genetics or autoimmune diseases can also trigger early symptoms according to the Office on Women’s Health.

“Early or premature menopause can catch patients off guard, and perimenopause and menopause at any age can be very difficult for patients,” said Reece Clark, MD, OBGYN at Franciscan Health Mooresville. “At Franciscan Health, we can diagnose perimenopause and menopause and offer patients personalized therapies to improve symptoms and optimize their overall health through the menopausal transition and beyond.”

No matter when it begins, early menopause can feel unexpected. Understand why it happens — and how to manage it — to help take charge of your health.

Common Symptoms Of Early Menopause

Recognizing symptoms early can help you and your healthcare provider find relief and protect your long-term health.

Women who experience menopause early may notice symptoms like those of menopause at a later age, including:

• Irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Night sweats and hot flashes
• Mood changes or difficulty concentrating
• Slowed metabolism and weight gain
• Urinary urgency
• Sleep problems
• Depression
• Thinning hair
• Dry skin
• Loss of breast fullness
• Racing heart

Seeing your provider early allows for more personalized care and peace of mind. You should contact your healthcare provider if:

• You’re under 45 and your periods have stopped or become irregular
• You’ve had cancer treatment or surgery that affected your ovaries
• You’re experiencing symptoms that disrupt your sleep, mood or relationships

“If you are experiencing some or all of the symptoms above and think you may be in perimenopause or menopause, talk with your doctor,” said Dr. Clark.

Your provider can rule out other conditions and start a plan to support your health.

How Early Menopause Affects Your Health

When menopause happens sooner, estrogen levels drop earlier, which can affect more than your menstrual cycle. Lower hormone levels can lead to:

• Bone loss (osteoporosis)
• Heart disease
• Depression and mood disorders

“Early menopause can affect more than your cycle — it can influence your bones, heart and emotional well-being,” said Dr. Clark. “Your Franciscan care team can help you manage these risks through lifestyle changes, nutrition guidance and medical options such as hormone therapy when appropriate.”

Can Early Menopause Affect Fertility?

Yes, it can be more difficult to become pregnant naturally during early menopause. However, some women still occasionally have their periods and may conceive.

If pregnancy is part of what you hope for in the future, know that help is available.

“If you hope to become pregnant and think you may be in early perimenopause, then you should consult urgently with your Franciscan Health OBGYN for a complete assessment followed by counseling regarding your options. Fertility begins to decline more quickly after age 35 and especially quickly after age 40 for all patients,” said Dr. Clark. Consulting with an expert sooner rather than later can maximize your chances of success.”

Caring For Your Body, Mind And Spirit During Menopause

Menopause can be as emotional as it is physical. It’s normal to feel uncertain about what’s ahead — but you don’t have to face it alone.

At Franciscan, we believe in caring for the whole person. Along with medical care, we can connect you with:

• Behavioral health professionals for emotional support
• Nutritionists to guide you in eating for bone and heart health
• Faith-based resources and wellness programs that strengthen your sense of peace and resilience

Together, we’ll help you find balance, hope and confidence during this new stage of life.

Franciscan Health: Support You Can Trust

Your Franciscan Health care team is here to walk with you through every season of change. Whether you need guidance to manage symptoms, protect your heart and bones or explore fertility options, our compassionate women’s care team is ready to help.

If you have symptoms of early menopause, talk with your OBGYN or primary care provider. They can help guide your next steps and connect you to support and treatment options.

You don’t have to go through this alone.