Early menopause happens when a woman's periods stop before the age of 45.
This can happen naturally, or as a side effect of some treatments and conditions.
Early menopause can happen naturally if a woman's ovaries stop making normal levels of certain hormones, particularly the hormone oestrogen.
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This is sometimes called premature ovarian failure, or primary ovarian insufficiency.
Common symptoms include hot flushes and, problems with memory and concentration.
There are also some signs that take place at night.
Difficulty sleeping could be a symptom, according to the NHS.
Night sweats call also indicate early menopause, with both symptoms caused by the decline in oestrogen in the body.
Other warning signs include low mood or anxiety, and a reduced libido.
The main symptom of early menopause is periods becoming infrequent or stopping altogether without any other reason (such as pregnancy).
If you're under 45 and have noticed your periods becoming infrequent or stopping altogether, you should speak to a GP, who should be able to make a diagnosis of early menopause based on your symptoms, your family history, and blood tests to check your hormone levels.
The main treatment for early menopause is either the combined contraceptive pill or HRT to make up for your missing hormones.
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