When to seek care
Missing periods, hot flashes, or infertility concerns under 45 deserve evaluation. Read surgical menopause if ovaries were removed, or book HormoneFit.
HormoneFit Learn
What is premature or early menopause?
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nathan Roth, MDCM, FRCSC, FACOG · Updated 2026-07-26
What is premature or early menopause?
Premature menopause (or primary ovarian insufficiency patterns) occurs before age 40; early menopause occurs between 40 and 45. Causes include genetics, autoimmune disease, chemotherapy, surgery, or idiopathic factors. Hormone therapy is often recommended until at least the average age of natural menopause when safe, to protect bone, heart, and quality of life. HormoneFit evaluates early menopause for Ontario women virtually.
- Premature: before 40; early: 40–45
- Needs proper evaluation, not dismissal as “stress”
- HRT often continued to typical menopause age when appropriate
- Bone and cardiovascular risk deserve attention
- Fertility implications may require specialist referral
Related HormoneFit resources
References & guidelines
This page is educational and does not replace personalized medical advice. HormoneFit physicians assess each patient individually. Women in Ontario can book a virtual consultation.
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