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Early menopause starts before age 45, and premature menopause before 40. It can be natural or the result of treatment for other conditions. Menopause cannot be slowed by diet or supplements, but symptoms and risks can be followed well with a doctor.
How to recognise it
The NHS lists irregular or missing periods before age 45 as the main sign. Hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, low mood or anxiety, reduced sex drive and memory or concentration problems are also possible.
Why it happens
Causes include family history, starting periods early, smoking, being underweight, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, certain hormone medicines and surgery on the ovaries.
What to do
- Record your cycles and symptoms for at least a month.
- See your GP. If you are under 45, blood tests are possible.
- Discuss hormone therapy. The NHS describes it as the main treatment, generally recommended before 45 to protect bones and heart, but it does not suit everyone.
- Exercise regularly and eat calcium-rich foods such as yoghurt.
- If irritability, anxiety or sadness get worse, seek psychological support.
Before the visit, prepare a list of medicines, your family history of menopause and questions about fertility, bones and hormone therapy.
Early menopause raises the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease and can affect fertility, so it is important to follow your health with a doctor. This text is general information.
Sources: NHS.
Common questions
Can early menopause be slowed naturally?
There is no evidence that diet or supplements slow menopause. Exercise and calcium-rich food support health, and a doctor decides on treatment.
When should I see a doctor?
When you have irregular periods or menopause symptoms before 45, because a doctor can order tests and explain the options.
