Early Menopause, past the prime of childbearing years but pre change of life. I find myself very interested in the changes that seem to occur on an ongoing basis as well as concerned over if I might be entering the age of menopause. As shocking as it seemed to me, early menopause is more common than most of us realize. It actually affects about 1% of women between the ages of 15 and 45; but what is early menopause?

The early onset of menopause is often confused with premature menopause; the two are actually two very different conditions and their definitions hinge on the age of the woman involved. When menopause occurs before the age of 45, it is considered early menopause; if it occurs before the age of 40 it is considered premature menopause.

When you are unsure, how do you know how to identify the Symptoms of Early Menopause? Early menopause symptoms are basically the same as the symptoms of normal menopause. Women suffer from muscle and joint pain, insomnia, night sweats, headaches and Hot Flashes. Other common early menopause symptoms include body shape changes, an increase of weight around the abdomen, as well as water retention.

Early Menopause Symptoms  also include emotional ups and downs, depression, anxiety, forgetfulness and cravings. All of which are triggered by the fluctuation of hormones (in particular the reduction of estrogen levels) that occurs when menopause begins.

Early menopause tends to be associated with more severe symptoms than menopause occurring after the age of 45 due to the faster than normal decline in the amount of estrogen in your body. This “Estrogen Crash” can cause extreme hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, and depression in some women. If you think you may be suffering from early menopause consult your doctor immediately. Living life after menopause isn’t all bad – in fact; it can be a very rewarding time when you have the right support.

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