"Official" menopause occurs in France on average at age 51. But for about 10% of women, it begins before age 45 — and for 1% of them, before age 40 (this is called premature ovarian insufficiency or POI). This reality remains little known, often ignored or diagnosed late, leaving women bewildered in the face of symptoms they don't yet associate with menopause.
How to recognize early menopause?
Early signals are often confused with stress, severe premenstrual syndrome or thyroid disorders. Here are the indicators to watch for if you are between 40 and 47:
- Irregular cycles (longer or shorter), then gradual disappearance
- Hot flashes, particularly at night
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse
- Mood disturbances: irritability, anxiety, unexplained depressive episodes
- Concentration difficulties, "brain fog"
- Chronic fatigue resistant to rest
- Heart palpitations
Diagnosis: which tests to request?
If you have several of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. The reference workup includes:
- FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): a value > 40 IU/L on two occasions 4–6 weeks apart confirms menopause
- Estradiol: usually low (< 20 pg/mL)
- AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone): reflection of ovarian reserve
- Thyroid panel (TSH) to rule out associated hypothyroidism
Important: untreated early menopause exposes you to increased risks of osteoporosis (long-term estrogen deficiency) and cardiovascular pathologies. A specialist consultation (gynecologist or endocrinologist) is essential.
Possible causes of early menopause
In most cases (60–70%), the cause is idiopathic — meaning no identifiable cause is found. Among other factors:
- Genetic factor (maternal family history of early menopause)
- Autoimmune diseases (thyroiditis, lupus)
- Cancer treatments (chemotherapy, pelvic radiotherapy)
- Ovarian surgery
- Smoking (advances menopause by 1 to 2 years on average)
Natural support specific to early menopause
Women affected by early menopause often go through emotional shock: feelings of injustice, mourning of femininity, anxiety about fertility (if motherhood was still envisaged), impact on libido and self-image. Support must therefore be both physical and psychological.
Physically, therapeutic options include HRT (often recommended until the average age of menopause, 51, to protect bones and heart), supplemented or alternated with adapted natural approaches.
Emotionally, FiftyCare's "Mood & Serenity" and "Hormonal Balance" protocols are particularly suited to women in early menopause: they act on nervous system regulation, anxiety and vasomotor symptoms, while easily integrating into an often busy daily life.
💡 If you are under 45 and recognize yourself in these symptoms, do not minimize them. Early menopause diagnosed early is much better managed than menopause ignored for years.
FiftyCare is designed for all women in menopausal transition, regardless of age. Start with your personalized assessment.