What Exactly IS Early Menopause?
In everyday speak early menopause is used and understood as an umbrella term for numerous related conditions. It covers the many different situations in which menopause can occur before the average age of onset in the wider female population. Find out more about the terminology and its meaning in a medical context.
Causes of Early Menopause
According to recent medical studies, approximately eight out of every 100 American women of childbearing years — about 3.9 million women — go through natural menopause before the age of 40. A high number will enter menopause early due to surgery (removal of the uterus and/or ovaries) or due to chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer. Find out more about the various different causes.
Symptoms of Early Menopause
There are numerous physical and emotional signs/symptoms associated with an early menopause. This checklist contains common symptoms and includes tips on how to minimize them. However, note that each case presents differently and not all women will experience every one of the effects listed. You may also benefit from this monthly chart for tracking your symptoms.
Special Topics (Help Sheets)
A collection of special in-depth articles tackling the pertinent and commonly confronted issues for women going through menopause early.
Hormone Level Tests
Your doctor can help you access testing for a range of different hormone levels. Nevertheless, due to a lack of familiarity among some doctors with early onset cases, it’s best to attend an appointment equipped with knowledge of the main diagnostic tests.
FAQs about Early Menopause
Under these trying circumstances you may find your mind racing with questions on testing, symptoms and treatment options. This help sheet aims to answer some of the most common queries for which women seek answers during this time.
Available Forms of HRT (USA) / Available Forms of HRT (UK)
These help sheets contain lists of HRT currently available in the US and UK respectively. You can also find Equivalent Doses of HRT, a comparison chart of dosages. Please note: whilst every effort is made to keep this list up to date, due to the nature of the regulatory pipeline in medicine, we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Use it as a general guideline only and consult your doctor.
Vitamins & Minerals
Adequate nutrient intake is an important part of managing the symptoms and long-term risks associated with an early menopause. This help sheet contains some of the key vitamins and minerals you should be watching, along with dosages and food sources. You can also find a list of other natural remedies, including herbs, phytoestrogens, supplements and the symptoms they are alleged to help alleviate.
Need To Know: The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) HRT Study
Large studies have been conducted in both the US and Europe to investigate the long-term effects of HRT, but what do the results of these studies mean for those of us going through an early menopause? This help sheet aims to provide an accurate yet accessible distillation of the key findings and what they mean for you.
Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)
This brief fact sheet explores Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) in a scientific capacity. It includes a description of the four stages identified by specialists, including Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), and what each stage means.
The Scientific Lowdown on Herbal Remedies
We explore various different herbs and supplements that have been touted for their ability to tackle menopausal symptoms. This includes a thorough investigation of related scientific studies and the truth regarding the effectiveness of these various options.
Fact Sheet: Perimenopause
Perimenopause is best understood as a transitional period leading up to menopause. In the majority of women its onset can be expected in the mid-40s or later. This help sheet is designed to help you understand how it differs from an early menopause or POF diagnosis.
Glossary
The EarlyMenopause.com glossary is a handy reference sheet with definitions of the many scientific terms you may encounter on your journey through a diagnosis. Every attempt has been made to word the explanations in plain English!
