Why Menopause Happens Earlier for Some Women

What is menopause?

Menopause occurs when you’ve gone 12 months without a period.

Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 58.

The average age of menopause in the U.S. is 51

Natural menopause 

The decline in female hormones that happens naturally with age. 

Induced menopause

When medical treatments like cancer treatments or surgery temporarily or permanently shut down the ovaries so they no longer make estrogen and progesterone. 

Induced menopause happens quickly — within a few weeks or even overnight — and can cause early or premature menopause. 

Premature menopause = Menopause before age 40

• Affects about 1% of women 

Early menopause = Menopause before age 45

• Affects about 5% of women

Factors that cause or are associated with premature or early menopause

• Autoimmune conditions

• Thyroid disease 

• Crohn’s disease 

• Scleroderma 

• Chronic fatigue syndrome 

• HIV/AIDS

• Epilepsy 

• Genetic disorders

• Family history of early/premature menopause 

• Smoking

Risks of early or premature menopause

Living longer without the health benefits of higher estrogen levels may increase your risk for health problems like:

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Osteoporosis

• Dementia

Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk 

If you think you may be at risk for early or premature menopause, talk to your healthcare provider. Together you can figure out a plan. 

This educational resource was created with support from Bayer, a HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council member.