October is Menopause Awareness Month! As such, we would like to highlight some of the most common early menopause symptoms. Every woman will start to notice changes to her body as she enters menopause, usually in her late forties and fifties. But for some, menopause can start much earlier.
This can catch many women by surprise and may be overlooked as something else. Being able to recognise signs that you are entering this important life chapter can help you prepare yourself and enables you to manage your symptoms as best as possible.
Table of contents
Understanding the menopause symptoms
Menopause is a natural part of ageing for all women and marks the end of periods and reproductive years. It occurs due to a decline in oestrogen which stops the ovaries from releasing eggs every month and brings about various changes to your body, such as irregular bleeding, hot flushes and mood changes.
Start of menopause symptoms
According to the NHS , the start of menopause symptoms occurs when periods stop due to a natural decline in hormone levels, particularly estrogen. This typically affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, although the signs of menopause can begin earlier in some cases. Early menopause symptoms may include different signs. These menopause signs are part of the body’s adjustment to changing a few aspects of the body.
Signs and symptoms of menopause
The signs and symptoms of menopause can differ widely between women, but they are all linked to declining levels of estrogen and other hormones.
What are the symptoms of menopause according NHS?
NHS categorise periods in 3 groups:
- Changes to your periods
- Menopause Mental health symptoms
- Menopause Physical symptoms
Menopause symptoms checklist
- One of the earliest signs of menopause is often a noticeable change in your usual menstrual cycle, such as periods becoming less regular—though this isn’t always the case.
- Mood-related changes and brain fog are common as menopause symptom.
- Hot flushes.
- Difficulty sleeping is a common symptom of menopause , often triggered by night sweats.
- Palpitations.
- Headaches and migraines.
- Muscle aches and joint pains.
- Changed body shape.
- Skin changes.
- Reduced sex drive.
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Sensitive teeth, painful gums or other mouth problems.
early menopause symptoms
Early menopause symptoms can vary significantly from one woman to another. Some may notice subtle signs of menopause, while others experience more noticeable changes. Because the symptoms of menopause are often influenced by individual health, lifestyle, and genetics, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional. A specialist consultation can help confirm whether you're experiencing menopause signs and guide you through your options for support and treatment.
Menopause symptoms at age 40
Experiencing menopause symptoms at age 40 isn’t uncommon and may be part of early or premature menopause. The signs of menopause at this age can be different for every woman, ranging from subtle hormonal shifts to more noticeable changes. If you're noticing any unusual menopause symptoms or symptoms of menopause before the typical age range, it's a good idea to consult a healthcare provider. A specialist can help determine the cause and offer appropriate support or treatment options.
Menopause symptoms at age 47 and 50
For many women, menopause symptoms at age 50 are a natural part of the transition into post-reproductive life. This is the average age when the signs of menopause often become more noticeable, though the experience is different for everyone. Some may have mild symptoms of menopause , while others face more persistent menopause signs . If you're unsure whether your symptoms are related to menopause, consulting a healthcare professional can provide clarity and personalized guidance.
Menopause symptoms at age 60
While most women transition through menopause in their late 40s or 50s, it's still possible to experience menopause symptoms at age 60 . In some cases, lingering signs of menopause —such as hot flushes, mood changes, or sleep disturbances—can continue into the postmenopausal years. Every woman’s experience is unique, and ongoing symptoms of menopause at this stage should not be ignored. If you're dealing with persistent menopause signs , a consultation with a healthcare provider can help identify effective ways to manage and improve your quality of life.
What are the first signs of menopause?
The first signs of menopause can vary widely between individuals, but they often involve subtle physical or emotional changes. Some women may notice irregular periods, mood swings, or disrupted sleep, while others experience different menopause symptoms entirely. These early symptoms of menopause can appear gradually during perimenopause, the transitional stage before periods stop. Since the signs of menopause aren’t the same for everyone, speaking with a healthcare professional is a helpful first step in understanding what’s happening and what support is available.
Early or premature menopause can happen naturally due to premature ovarian failure, which causes the ovaries to stop producing oestrogen. Risk factors for premature ovarian failure include chromosome abnormalities such as Turner syndrome, autoimmune diseases, cancer treatments, smoking, chronic fatigue and HIV. Premature menopause can also run in families or result from surgeries that remove the ovaries or uterus.
There are several key early menopause symptoms to keep a look out for. If you are under 45 and notice any of the symptoms below, it is a good idea to see your GP. It’s also important to remember that you are not alone - it is estimated that about 5% of women naturally go through early menopause.
Some of the most common early menopause symptoms include:
1. Irregular periods
Changes to your menstrual cycle are usually one of the first early menopause symptoms. Declining oestrogen can cause your periods to become lighter or heavier, shorter or longer and more or less frequent. It is also common to experience bleeding in between cycles. Eventually, your periods will stop altogether and you will no longer be able to conceive naturally.
2. Hot flushes
A hot flush, also known as hot a flash, is a sudden feeling or warmth in your body, particularly in the chest, neck and face. They may also cause sweating, an increase in heart rate, anxiety and reddening of the skin. A single hot flush may last from 1-5 minutes and may be mild or intense.
3.Vaginal dryness
Another early menopause symptom is vaginal changes. Oestrogen helps keep the vagina moist, maintains the thickness of the vaginal lining and keeps tissue flexible. When levels decline, the vagina walls become drier and thinner which may lead to discomfort, particularly during sex.
4. Mood changes
Hormone fluctuations as you enter perimenopause can affect your mood. Some women experience:
Low mood or depression
Anxiety
Increased irritability
Reduced sex drive
Problems with memory or concentration
Fatigue
Stress
5. Sleep problems
Oestrogen plays an important role in regulating bodily processes involved in sleep. As such, as you enter perimenopause you may experience difficulty sleeping at night and sleep problems like insomnia. Hot flushes and mood changes can also negatively impact sleep.
Natural remedies for menopause symptoms
Treating early menopause symptoms naturally
In first place is always crucial to be in touch with a doctor and understand what kind of treatment is best for you.
NHS regularly shares guidelines on how to treat your health: a speacialist consultation and this website have prioriority as a source of your knowledge.
The main treatments for early or premature menopause are the combined contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which top up oestrogen levels. However, many women look for more natural alternatives with fewer side effects.
Taking a supplement like New Leaf’s menopause tablets provides key nutrients, such as soy isoflavones, vitamins A, B5, B6 and biotin to help reduce the severity of early menopause symptoms so you can carry on with your life as normal.
Supplements and Vitamins for menopause symptoms
Managing the physical and emotional changes that come with menopause can be challenging, and many women look to supplements for menopause symptoms as part of their overall wellness plan. A variety of vitamins for menopause symptoms and minerals for menopause symptoms may help relieve issues like hot flushes, low mood, poor sleep, and brain fog. Similarly, supplements for symptoms of menopause , including herbal and nutritional options, are often used to support hormonal balance. Since everyone’s experience is different, the effectiveness of vitamins for symptoms of menopause or minerals for symptoms of menopause can vary. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement to ensure it's appropriate for your needs.