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The Age of Onset of Menopause

All stages of menopause are marked by a decrease in the female hormone estrogen. This decrease can occur at any age for any number of medical reasons, but in menopause it usually begins in the late 30s. There are special circumstances in which menopause can be triggered early from surgical treatments, genetics or disease.

  1. Premature Menopause (Special Circumstance)

    • Premature menopause can occur anytime before the age of 40. This type of menopause is usually brought on by having a hysterectomy with both ovaries removed, having both ovaries removed, chemotherapy or radiation or autoimmune disorders. Symptoms of premature menopause are missed menstrual cycles; hot flashes; vaginal dryness; bladder irritability; mood swings; dry skin, eyes, or mouth; sleeplessness; and decreased sex drive. Symptoms in premature menopause can be quite severe due to the sudden drop in estrogen.

    Perimenopause (Stage 1)

    • Perimenopause, also called menopause transition, is the two- to eight-year period that occurs before menopause begins. Women usually start perimenopause in their late 30s to early 40s. You can still become pregnant in perimenopause, since you still have a menstrual period. Symptoms of perimenopause include irregular menstrual periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, pain during sexual intercourse, urinary infections, decreased sex drive, increase in mid-waist body fat and problems with concentration and memory. Oral contraceptives are the usual treatment for relieving these symptoms.

    Menopause (Stage 2)

    • Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, when levels of the hormone estrogen and progesterone decrease significantly. This shift in hormone causes the cycle to become absent, thus starting the menopausal stage. Once you begin menopause, you will no longer be able to conceive. The symptoms of menopause can be mild, moderate or severe. Symptoms include heart pounding or racing, hot flashes, night sweats, skin flushing, sleeping problems (insomnia), vaginal dryness, forgetfulness, mood swings and an increase in vagina infections. Blood tests are needed in order to determine if you have entered this stage of menopause and also to rule out any medical conditions that may mimic these symptoms.

    Post-Menopause (Stage 3)

    • Post-menopause begins after one year of missed periods, and can occur anytime from your 40s onward, unless you reached menopause prematurely. In the case of the latter, you will be classified as post-menopausal right after the operation. Post-menopause is the last stage of menopause. Symptoms of post-menopause are the same as the symptoms of menopause, including mood swings, vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats. Many women experience light-bleeding (spotting) during post-menopause, and even though most reasons for spotting are benign, it still needs to be investigated by your physician, since all bleeding experienced during post-menopause is considered abnormal.

    Consideration

    • All stages of menopause have treatments to lessen the discomfort of symptoms. Menopause cannot be reversed at any stage, but it can be induced. It is important in any stage of menopause to have regular visits with your doctor, since the symptoms you experience could be due to medication side effects or other health conditions. Women of any age in all stages of menopause run a risk for osteoporosis, so taking a daily supplement (amount to be determined by your physician) may help to reduce this risk.

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