Early menopause happens when a woman's periods stop before the age of 45.
Menopause before the age of 40 is called premature menopause. Premature menopause is estimated to affect 1% of women under the age of 40 years and 0.1% of women under the age of 30 years.
It can happen naturally, or as a side effect of some treatments. For most women, the menopause starts between the ages of 45 and 55.
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In 90% of women who experience premature menopause, the reason will be unknown. It’s more unusual in younger women, so these symptoms can be missed or thought to be due to other conditions.
You should speak to your GP if you know you are not pregnant and your periods have stopped or have been coming less often (for around 4-6 months). Your GP can carry out a blood test to measure your hormone levels.
Common symptoms associated with menopause and early menopause include hot flushes and a low mood. But there are also two signs that occur at night that could indicate menopause.
According to NHS guidance, night sweats are a symptom of menopause and early menopause. It's important to note the medical definition of night sweats are when you sweat so much that your night clothes are soaking wet, even though the room you are in is cool.
Another sign that may suggest the menopause is having trouble sleeping. The menopausal decline of oestrogen contributes to disrupted sleep.
Other early menopause symptoms include vaginal dryness, anxiety and a reduced libido. A GP 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.
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