AI-generated“You are too young for that.” This can be frustrating when you experience sleep problems, new cycle changes or hot flushes. Age matters for assessment, but is no reason to dismiss symptoms.
Early symptoms are possible
Changes can begin before the usual menopausal age. Continuing periods do not fundamentally exclude hormonal changes. At the same time, fatigue, weight gain and brain fog in your mid-thirties do not provide sufficient proof of perimenopause.
What does early menopause mean?
The last natural period between ages 40 and 44 is called early menopause. Here too, assessment is retrospective and requires consideration of other causes. One changed cycle does not equal this diagnosis.
What is premature ovarian insufficiency?
Before the 40th birthday, corresponding changes should prompt consideration of premature reduction in ovarian function, or POI, among other possibilities. It should not simply be equated with an online label of “early perimenopause”. Investigation and advice differ from the typical transition in the late forties.
Ovarian function can fluctuate with POI. Such a diagnosis does not generally establish permanent infertility. Fertility wishes and contraception therefore belong in the consultation.
What should be investigated?
When periods stop, possible pregnancy is also considered first. Other reasons may include medicines, thyroid disease, PCOS, substantial energy undernutrition or other hormonal changes. Appropriate investigations depend on medical history.
Before 45, hormone tests may play a different role from their role in typical symptoms in the late forties. Even so, one result without suitable context cannot explain the whole situation.
What can you prepare yourself?
Record when changes began and what your cycles were like previously. Is there a family history of early menopause? Have your ovaries been operated on, or have you received treatment that can affect their function? Bring existing findings and medicines.
What does our check do for younger women?
Under 40, it deliberately avoids giving an apparently certain menopausal stage. Instead, corresponding changes prompt advice for targeted investigation. Between 40 and 44, an early transition is described as a possibility. This does not prevent symptoms, but helps prevent a premature explanation that could overlook other causes.
You can seek support even without a final diagnosis. The perimenopause check can help organise your observations.
Discuss your symptoms at your own pace
Would you like a medical assessment of your changes? At Praxis Jona in Berlin-Mitte, we discuss your questions and suitable next steps.
Enquire about menopause advice
Read more
- Perimenopause: symptoms, onset and duration
- Testing for perimenopause: when are blood tests useful?
- Hormone therapy in perimenopause: while still having periods?
Sources
- NICE NG23: Menopause – identification and management
- Office on Women’s Health: Menopause basics
- WHO: Menopause
