Have your once regular periods suddenly stopped? Or did you suddenly start forgetting why you entered the rooms and wake up with wet sheets in the morning? If you are under 45, you may be going through early menopause. But how do you know exactly what is happening to your body? Let’s look at the signs of early menopause and what to expect if you have received this diagnosis.
The two stages of the menopausal transition
Menopause, or the menopausal transition as we like to call it these days, it’s the decade or so that your ovaries start to shut down before you retire completely. This major life change has two distinct stages: Perimenopause and Postmenopause.
In fact, what we have traditionally called Menopause, and often thought of as its own stage, actually occurs during the first stage, Perimenopause. And it’s the time when exactly 12 months have passed since your last period.
Once you reach that point, though, postmenopause begins immediately. This means that menopause is less of a phase itself, and more of a marker that marks the end of one stage and the beginning of another.
Now, we know this is like a whole new way to look at the menopausal transition, but we think it makes a lot of sense. So here’s how the stages break down:
Perimenopause
It generally starts in the mid-40s. It is characterized by changes in your cycle and periods, as well as physical and emotional symptoms. It also includes the 12 months after your last period.
Postmenopause
It starts 12 consecutive months after your last period. Transition symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue, will subside over the next few years.
What is early menopause?
As its name suggests, early menopause is basically the menopausal transition. The difference is that it starts at a younger age than typical, but it still works the same way. Which means your fertility will change, as will your cycle length and periods, among other things.
When does early menopause start?
While menopause generally occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, for about 5% of women, Early menopause takes place before the age of 45. It can even happen to women younger than 40. Known as premature menopause or primary ovarian failure, this affects less than 1.1% of women.
And while the reasons for early or premature menopause may remain unknown to some, various causes can cause it. These include:
- Family history of early menopause
- Smoking
- Common cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation
- Ovarian removal surgery
- Surgery to remove the uterus
- Chromosomal abnormalities
- HIV/AIDS
- Various autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn’s disease
What are the signs of early menopause?
While signs and symptoms of early menopause exist for various other health conditions, the most obvious indication that you are experiencing this stage of life earlier than normal is irregular periods.
If you’re used to Aunt Flo appearing every 26 days and suddenly find yourself experiencing sporadic periods, early menopause is a possibility. This can be shaped by longer menstrual cycles, random spotting between periods, and even changes in your flow.
However, if irregular periods have always been your issue, it’s best to double check with a certified healthcare professional to be sure.
In addition to irregular or decreased periods, here are some other signs Early menopause:
- Hot flashes
- Dryness of the vagina
- Night sweats
- Increased urination
- Insomnia
- The mood changes
- Dry eyes and dry skin
- Headaches
- Libido changes
- Unexplained weight changes
- Hair loss and thinning
In general, early menopause can make you feel pretty cranky. And since women going through menopause are at greater risk for mood disordersit’s perfectly normal to have mixed feelings about your body and what’s going on.
How is early menopause diagnosed?
We’ve all been there. You type your symptoms into Google and you end up with scary results. If your period or cycle has changed or you’re seeing signs of early menopause, instead of worrying with “What if…?” please make an appointment with your doctor to discuss what is going on.
They will probably want to know more about your family history and symptoms and will likely order blood tests to check your hormone levels. You may also have a complete physical exam, which may include a vaginal ultrasound to check the functions of your ovaries.
Since early menopause occurs when your ovaries produce less Estrogen, getting your hormones tested can be incredibly helpful when it comes to helping you overcome these issues.
If your FSH is rising and your estrogen levels have plummeted for no apparent reason, this could be a strong indication that you are going through early menopause.
I have been diagnosed with early menopause. And now what?
Being diagnosed with early menopause can leave you feeling overwhelmed, sad and confused. And while you may not have expected this diagnosis, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone and that help is available.
While treatment options may vary depending on your personal situation and care team, they may look something like this:
- Estrogen and progesterone pills: your doctor may suggest trying estrogen in pill form, or a vaginal ring or patch, along with progesterone pills or an IUD to protect your uterus.
- Combined contraceptive pill: The combined oral contraceptive pill contains artificial versions of the hormones Estrogen and Progesterone. This can help ease early menopause symptoms such as hot flashes.
If you don’t want to go the medical route, there are many natural remedies that can help keep symptoms at bay. And while this won’t change the fact that you’re in early menopause, it will make living with it more manageable. Here are some natural remedies that can help you feel like yourself again:
- Eat a balanced diet: Make sure you eat enough fruit and vegetables and foods rich in calcium and protein.
- Maintain a healthy weight: to help symptoms including hot flashes.
- Exercise regularly: I move around it can reduce stress, improve energy and help you get the sleep you need.
- Check out the natural supplements: Natural supplements such as Black Cohosh, Red Clover, Ginseng, and Evening Primrose Oil may help relieve symptoms. While natural supplements may seem harmless, their effects can be quite powerful. Always check with your doctor before use to make sure they don’t conflict with other medications.
Signs of early menopause: You are not alone
First and foremost, if you recognize anything we’ve talked about here, please talk to your doctor as soon as possible and share your concerns. They are in the best position to help you learn what is going on with your body, as well as rule out any underlying conditions that may be contributing.
If you are using the Hormona app — and if you’re not, why not? — make sure you continue to monitor your cycle and symptoms. All of this information could be critical in helping your healthcare team arrive at a diagnosis.
But if you have, or already have, an early diagnosis of menopause, take advantage of as many resources as you can to keep your overall and emotional health in great shape. Whether it’s diet and exercise changes, or managing symptoms with medication or natural remedies, find what works for you.
Most importantly, though, remember that you are not alone. The menopause transition is coming for all of us, so millions of women around the world know exactly how you feel right now. Some are part of the Hormona community. Others are in online or in-person support groups, and even more are in the doctor’s waiting room, at the OBGYN, or standing next to you at the coffee shop.
That way, if you ever need to talk, there will be someone ready to listen.
