5 Things To Know About Early Menopause

Most women don’t expect to experience early menopause, especially if it happens in their 30s or 40s. But, more women may be going through it than you realize. Whether you are already experiencing body changes or you want to be prepared for the big shift, here are five critical facts that you should know about early menopause (and menopause in general) to empower you to take control of your health.

1. Menopause Can Happen Before 50

Menopause is officially defined as 12 months without a menstrual period. While the average age of menopause in the US is 51, it can happen earlier. Early menopause, which happens between ages 40 and 45, affects about 5% of women. Less common, premature menopause – a type of menopause that occurs before the age of 40 -can affect about 1% of women, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 

Important Fact: It’s important to understand that there’s a difference between early menopause and perimenopause. Perimenopause, which typically starts sometime in a women’s 40s, is the phase where you may start experiencing menopausal symptoms before reaching full menopause.  This can last 4 years, on average. Believe it or not, this is completely normal.  However, if you’re under 45 and are experiencing menopause symptoms and missing periods, you could be experiencing early menopause. 

Early menopause can happen naturally because of genetic reasons or diseases, such as autoimmune disorders or thyroid disease, or because of medical treatments, including chemotherapy or hysterectomy. The causes of both premature and early menopause are the same.  

Both early and premature menopause are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and issues with cognitive function. If you’re experiencing symptoms or are concerned, it’s important to talk to your provider. 

Understanding that early menopause could happen can empower you to tune in with your body and seek help when you need it. It has also been helpful to see support from public figures like Naomi Watts. Watts has been public in sharing her experiences with early menopause at age 36. Her openness about her experience has helped raise awareness and reduce the stigma around menopause.

2. Symptoms Can Start Gradually or Suddenly

If there’s one thing that’s certain about menopause, it’s that it’s unpredictable! No woman will experience menopause the same way. Symptoms can vary from woman to woman, but here are a few signs to look out for: 

• Irregular or missed periods 

• Hot flashes and night sweats 

• Sleep disturbances 

• Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex 

• Mood swings, irritability, and anxiety 

For some women, symptoms begin gradually, with irregular periods being the first sign. For others, symptoms like hot flashes or mood changes may be the most obvious. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the changes, it can be helpful to keep track of your symptoms in your phone/journal and notice if there are any patterns in what you’re experiencing. This can help you have an informed discussion with your provider. 

3. It’s Not Just About Your Periods

While missing periods is often the first clue that menopause is approaching, early menopause affects more than just your menstrual cycle. Hormonal fluctuations during early menopause can lead to emotional and physical changes that impact your daily life. This includes mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. 

Naomi Watts has been candid about how menopause impacted everything from her skin to her mental health. In an interview with Forbes, Watts explained, “I would say the most unpleasant symptom I experienced was sleeplessness, because that is connected to so many other issues. When you don’t sleep, you can’t concentrate, you get brain fog, you get migraines, you get anxiety, you get stressed and depressed.” 

It’s important to recognize that menopause affects your whole body, not just your periods. 

4. You Can Manage the Symptoms

The good news is, there are now a host of treatments to help you manage the symptoms of menopause. You don’t have to suffer in silence! Some effective treatments include: 

• Hormone Therapy (HT): HT is often the first line treatment for hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. HT has been shown to be highly effective in alleviating many menopause symptoms, though it’s not suitable for every woman. Celebrities like Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Gwyneth Paltrow have all been open about finding benefits from taking Hormone Therapy. 

• Non-hormonal treatments: Medications such as SSRIs or SNRIs, often prescribed for depression and anxiety, interestingly can also help reduce hot flashes and mood swings. 

• Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and stress-reduction techniques like yoga or meditation can also play an important role in managing symptoms. 

5. It’s Important to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

The most important thing to remember is, you don’t have to navigate this change alone. If you’re noticing changes in your menstrual cycle, mood, or other symptoms, it’s important to talk to your Axia Women’s Health provider. Together you can find a personalized treatment approach that’s right for you. Reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a vital step in maintaining your health and well-being. 

Conclusion 

Early menopause can be surprising, but it doesn’t have to be a mystery. Understanding the facts can help you approach this phase with clarity and confidence. 

In the words of Oprah Winfrey, “”So many women I’ve talked to see menopause as an ending. But I’ve discovered this is your moment to reinvent yourself after years of focusing on the needs of everyone else. It’s your opportunity to get clear about what matters to you and then to pursue that with all of your energy, time and talent.” 

So let’s embrace this next chapter and put the focus back on you!