How to Diagnose Early Menopause

Menopause is a natural process in a woman's life. As a woman ages, her ovaries stop producing eggs. Monthly menstrual cycles reduce in frequency and then stop. The process usually begins when a woman is in her 40s or 50s. Early menopause, also known as premature menopause, occurs at a much younger age. Some women experience menopause in their 30s, or even as early as their 20s. To diagnose early menopause, check for the symptoms listed below.

Things You'll Need

• Calendar
• Notebook

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Instructions

• 1

  Use a calendar to keep track of your monthly menstrual cycle. You should be getting your period every 28 days. Is the cycle getting longer or shorter? Changes in the duration of the cycle are often the first signs of early menopause.

• 2

  Note any other irregularities in your period. Is it much heavier or much lighter than usual? One-off changes in the cycle are normal. However, if this happens month after month, it may be a sign of early menopause.

• 3

  Monitor other physiological changes including hot flashes, cramps, frequent headaches, vaginal dryness, facial hair growth, and bladder control problems. These are all signs of menopause.

• 4

  Keep a sleep diary. Insomnia is another symptom of early menopause. You may experience night sweats, which make it difficult to fall asleep.

• 5

  Monitor your weight. Weight gain is common in the early stages of menopause.

• 6

  Ask a family member to monitor your mood changes. You could do this yourself, though other people are generally better at spotting changes in behavior. Menopause is often accompanied by mood swings and extreme irritability.