What is “early menopause”?

Most women begin menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. The average age for menopause onset in the United States is 51 years old, according to the National Institute on Aging. Early menopause usually refers to onset before age 40. read more

Menopause that occurs before this age, whether natural or induced, is known as "premature" menopause. In addition to dealing with hot flashes, mood swings, and other symptoms that accompany menopause, many women undergoing premature menopause have to cope with additional physical and emotional concerns. read more

Menopause that happens before age 40 is called premature menopause. Menopause that happens between 40 and 45 is called early menopause. About 5% of women naturally go through early menopause. 1 Smoking and certain medicines or treatments can cause menopause to come earlier than usual. read more

Early menopause usually refers to onset before age 40. Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing estrogen, the hormone that controls the reproductive cycle. A woman is in menopause when she hasn’t had a period for more than 12 months. read more