Is 35 too early for menopause?

Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, so having it at age 35 or earlier is considered early menopause. There are several key things to understand about early menopause:

• Early menopause that occurs before age 40 is also referred to as premature ovarian failure or primary ovarian insufficiency. It affects about 1% of women under the age of 40.


• The diagnosis is based on having elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the blood as well as at least 4 months of amenorrhea (absent periods) in women under 40. Repeat testing of FSH and estradiol levels is often needed to confirm the diagnosis.


• There are two types of early menopause:
  
  
  
  
  • Induced - caused by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or other interventions. This type is intentional.
  
  
  • Spontaneous - occurs naturally without a clear trigger. The cause is often unknown but sometimes genetic factors can play a role.
  
  


• Risk factors associated with early menopause include:
  
  
  
  
  • Family history
  
  
  • Autoimmune diseases
  
  
  • Genetic conditions
  
  
  • Cancer treatments
  
  
  • Pelvic surgery
  
  


• Consequences of early menopause include:
  
  
  
  
  • Infertility
  
  
  • Changes to sexual function
  
  
  • Osteoporosis risk
  
  
  • Cardiovascular disease risk
  
  
  • Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats)
  
  
  • Potential impacts to mood and cognition
  
  


• Treatment options depend on the underlying cause but may include:
  
  
  
  
  • Hormone therapy with estrogen, and sometimes testosterone, to relieve symptoms
  
  
  • Evaluation of bone health with monitoring and medications as needed
  
  
  • Counseling regarding relationships, sexual health, and psycho-emotional aspects
  
  

So in summary, yes age 35 can be considered too early for spontaneous natural menopause. The average age is around 50. But early menopause before 40, whether induced or spontaneous, occurs in about 5% of women. There are significant health and quality of life impacts. Working with your doctor for hormonal and other therapies can help mitigate risks and manage symptoms.

At Revive Hormone Clinic, we specialize in helping women navigate early and premature menopause through our comprehensive hormone optimization programs. Our goal is to detect hormonal imbalances early and create customized treatment plans involving bioidentical hormone replenishment along with nutrition, fitness and wellbeing strategies tailored just for you. Reach out today to schedule your consultation!