Early menopause

Early menopause

Last updated date: 17-Aug-2023

Originally Written in English

Early menopause

Menopause often strikes most women aging between 45 and 55. Generally, the average age of menopause onset across the world is 51 years old. Early menopause is thus defined as the onset of menopause before the age of 45. 

When the ovaries cease producing eggs, it results in low estrogen levels; hence the menopause stage begins. Estrogen refers to the hormone that regulates a woman’s menstrual cycle. When a woman has not had a monthly period in over a year, she is considered to be in menopause. 

Early menopause can be caused by anything that destroys or harms the ovaries or inhibits estrogen production. This can include cancer treatment (chemotherapy) or an oophorectomy (ovaries removal).