At what age does menopause usually begin? Is there such a thing as pre-menopause?

Chris W

Thanks nurse Annie...this would be what my problem is then! Lucky me!
Thank you Jill...this is a great answer.

WiserAngel · 08-19-2008, 04:54 AM

When you have had no menstrual periods for 1 year, you have reached menopause. While the average age of menopause is around 50, every woman's body has its own unique time line. Some women stop menstruating in their mid-40s, and others continue well into their mid-50s. Perimenopause means "around menopause." It refers to the 2 to 8 years of changing hormone levels?and the symptoms they cause?leading up to menopause. The most common sign of promenades is longer, often irregular menstrual cycles that are caused by hormonal ups and downs. Most women start promenades between ages 39 and 51.

Anon M · 08-22-2008, 04:54 AM

Nurse Annie said it all

luce · 08-26-2008, 04:54 AM

The age at which menopause begins varies widely and can be affected by many factors: race ( - Blacks topically begin menopause the latest and Asians the earliest), lifestyle: (Smokers tend to begin menopause earlier). The average age in the US is 55.

There is a recognized medical condition called "Peri-menopause" which is basically "Prue-menopause". It can begin as early as your mid -thirties and is often hallmarked by irregular or missed periods and occasional hot flashes.

If you are under 35 and are experiencing signs of menopause, it may be a condition called "precocious menopause" where your body stops producing sufficient amounts of estrogen. This should be treated by an experienced OB/GYN, usually with hormone replacement. It is important to treat this condition as women who have lower levels of estrogen early in life very often develop severe osteoporosis by their 50s.