[beckiestephens]

Can menupause start as early as 43? If you have never had children, does it start early?

[jgj6331]

All women will eventually undergo menopause - with the age of onset ranging from about 40 years to 60 years. The average age is around 50 years and each woman's experiences will be slightly different, Whether you have had children does not play a major role in when you will begin "the change" - more important is family history (ie. when did your mother / sisters / aunts begin menopause?) - although this is not set in stone. Menopause is a gradual process and the "change" isn't going to transform you overnight. You may notice a subtle change in your menstrual cycle - irregular or skipped periods, very heavy or very light / spotty ones - as menopause begins. Symptoms may also include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances and vaginal dryness. Hot flashes are probably the most common complaint during menopause and most women will experience them. All this being said; however, there are several other conditions which can mimic the signs and symptoms of menopause - so you will need to be evaluated by your doctor ASAP to make sure. Usually a physical examination, detailed family history and a few simple blood tests will confirm the diagnosis.

You will likely need to be evaluated for osteoporosis (weakened bones) too - a condition that becomes more prevalent after menopause and may require medication and / or a vitamin and calcium supplement. Ask your doctor about a BMD test when you go for your appointment.

Some women take estrogen supplements to lessen the symptoms of menopause - but this has come under question recently for several severe possible side effects - including an increased incidence of breast cancer, heart disease and blood clots. Estrogen supplements are not as routinely prescribed as they once were. You and your doctor will need to discuss the specifics of your particular case to determine if you will need them.

Although there has been some evidence to show that early menopause may decrease the risk of breast cancer - you should not let this false sense of security hinder you from doing monthly self exams, getting yearly breast exams from your doctor and yearly screening mammograms.

Please note that there are many helpful websites that discuss menopause in much detail. Try an internet search and you'll discover more than you'll ever find time to read. Good luck!!

[J_9]

All I am going to add to this is...

DO YOUR MONTHLY BREAST EXAMS AS Religiously AS YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH.

I am 42 and currently going through the early stages of menopause, so it is possible.

As a survivor of breast cancer I emplore you to do your self-exams.

[jgj6331]

J 9 brings up a point - I was referring to natural menopause - but menopause can occur at any age after surgical removal of the ovaries as with a total hysterectomy / oophorectomy and can sometimes follow intensive chemotherapy.

[J_9]

However, not having children does not really change anything. You will go through it when your body is ready. Just as we all begin our period when our bodies are ready, so too will we begin menopause when our bodies are ready.

Children or no children does not change that fact of life.

[ROSLYNBEAUMONT]

I been crying about everything, and moody