Premature Menopause: Symptoms & Signs

Medically Reviewed on 4/17/2021

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

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

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References
Jameson, J. Larry, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2018.