Premature menopause is defined as the occurrence of menopause, or the cessation of menstrual periods, before the age of 40. Menopause is defined as the absence of a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.
Signs and symptoms of premature menopause are similar to those of menopause at any age and include the absence of menstruation as well as irregular or infrequent menstruation in the preceding months to years in the case of premature ovarian failure. Other associated symptoms and signs can include
- hot flashes,
- fatigue,
- night sweats,
- insomnia,
- irritability,
- mood swings,
- sexual dysfunction,
- vaginal dryness, and
- painful intercourse.
Causes of premature menopause
Causes of premature menopause include premature ovarian failure, surgical removal of the ovaries, or damage to the ovaries due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Other premature menopause symptoms and signs
- Absence of Menstruation
- Fatigue
- Hot Flashes
- Insomnia
- Irregular or Infrequent Menstruation
- Irritability
- Mood Swings
- Night Sweats
- Painful Intercourse
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Vaginal Dryness
Main Article on Premature Menopause Symptoms and Signs

SLIDESHOW
What Is Osteoporosis? Treatment, Symptoms, Medication See SlideshowPictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
-
9 Signs of Perimenopause
Perimenopause occurs before menopause as estrogen levels begin to change. This can cause menopause like symptoms such as hot...
-
Menopause & Perimenopause: Symptoms, Signs
What is menopause? What are the signs of menopause? What age does menopause start? Learn about menopause and perimenopause...
-
Menopause Quiz: Symptoms & Signs
The Menopause Quiz challenges your knowledge about the time in a woman’s life when menstruation ceases. Menopause can bring many...
-
Women's Health: 10 Tips to Ease Menopause Symptoms
What happens during menopause? At what age do menopause symptoms start? Women in their 40s or 50s may begin to have hot flashes,...
From 
Women's Health Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Women's Health Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.