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Early-Onset Menopause

Learn about symptoms and options for managing early menopause caused by cancer treatment or preventive surgery. Stay up to date by signing up for our community newsletter.

Risk Management & Treatment > Menopause > Early-Onset Menopause

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Menopause

During reproductive years, the ovaries produce hormones, such as and progesterone. They help prepare the body for pregnancy, and also play other roles in health and wellness. During natural menopause, these hormones decrease gradually, leading to menopausal symptoms.

Surgery that removes the ovaries will lead to menopause. Certain chemotherapy treatments can also cause early menopause. The menopause experience is different for everyone, but typically, the younger the person is when going through menopause, the more intense their symptoms and side effects are likely to be.

Many of the menopause symptoms can be improved with hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement is safe for most people who have never had cancer. But it is not safe for everyone. For people who cannot safely take hormones, there are non-hormonal options for managing menopausal symptoms and side-effects. 

Read more about menopause symptoms and options for managing them in the sections below. 

Find a Menopause Expert

The Menopause Society

The Menopause Society has a tool to help people find practitioners with expertise in managing menopause.

Menopause Symptoms and Side Effects

Everyone experiences menopause differently. Read about the common symptoms and side effects of surgical menopause and tips for managing them. 

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Managing Early Menopause without Hormones

Hormone replacement is not safe for every person with early-onset menopause. Learn about the non-hormonal options for managing different menopause symptoms.

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Managing Early Menopause with Hormones

Hormone replacement therapy is a safe option for some people experiencing early-onset menopause. Click on the button below to learn about the different types of hormones use to manage menopause symptoms.

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Last updated September 12, 2024