Early Menopause Symptoms

Symptoms of perimenopause often begin when a woman is in her mid to late thirties, especially in developed countries like the US.  Early menopause symptoms can occur much earlier, especially in third world countries where child bearing starts earlier and nutrition and doctor’s care is not as readily available.

Although many women start the process in their thirties, many more do not begin the process until their early forties and finally reach complete menopause by their early fifties.

However, even in the US, some women have premature menopausal symptoms.  Usually this happens if a woman has had a hysterectomy at a relatively young age.  Her body no longer produces eggs or the specific hormones that come with menstruation, so she goes through menopause much earlier.  Women in this situation often receive hormone therapy to relieve early menopause symptoms.

A woman who has been in treatment for cancer and has undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatments may experience premature menopause symptoms too.

Signs of Peri Menopause

The first symptoms of perimenopause usually occur in the mid to late thirties for most women.  Early menopause symptoms are often noticed when a woman starts missing her period every few months.   Her periods may also become much lighter or much heavier than they were previously.  These symptoms can last from four to eight years before any other symptoms show themselves and before full menopause is reached.

Some other early menopause symptoms that are very common are hot flashes and mood swings.  As a woman’s body changes, less estrogen and progesterone that are produced.  There are also fewer eggs that are ripening and released through ovulation.  Also, the post ovulation surge of progesterone is decreased.  All these factors are responsible for the appearance of signs of peri menopause, where the woman experiences hot flashes and mood swings.

Menopausal hot flashes cause a woman to break out into a sweat. Her face is often red and flushed as she waits for it to pass. Hot flashes can occur at any time, day or night. They can disrupt daily activities as well as sleep patterns.

Since these outbreaks are dramatic, they are the most commonly recognized early menopause symptom.

Mood swings are another commonly recognized symptom of perimenopause. Menopausal mood swings can cause extreme reactions, such as depression.  Sad feelings, including a sense of loss, are not unusual.  Sometimes medical treatment is necessary for menopausal mood swings.

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