A question about early menopause?

Question

My neighbor was wondering if 37 is too early to start menopause. She is suffering from hot flushes and waking up in the middle of the night covered in sweat and a few other symptoms.

Is 37 too young? Has anyone else started early menopause? What were your experiences?

Answer 1

I started menopause right after my son was born, I was 37. It was a difficult delivery so I don't know if that had anything to do with it or not. I suffered from night sweats, mood swings, & terrible hot flashes. It has been 10 years & I still occassionaly have hot flashes but not nearly as severe. In the beginning the DR kept telling me that I couldn't be starting menopause because I was too young but she finally did a new test that showed that I was indeed menopausal. There are some hormone treatments that can help with the symptoms but they can have side effects so if she can get through it without the drugs, it'd be better (just my opinion!).

Answer 2

My mom was like 43 or 44 when she had symptoms of menopause. She went to the doctor because she would have hot flashes and then be cold. Wake up in the middle of night. So she when to the doctor and said that it is menopause. They said that is a little early but it happens.

Answer 3

Sounds like she is perimenopausal which can last 10 to 12 years before it's finished. She needs to talk to her OB-GYN about it and discuss the relative value of hormone replacement therapy. At 37 her doctor might just put her on birth control pills which will eliminate her symptoms at this stage. The fact that she has started at 37 does not mean that she will be through menopause earlier than other women her age - she might not be through until she's in her 50's.

Answer 4

Hi the_little_one_said

Your neighbor may, indeed, be starting menopause...or she may have an underactive thyroid...or BOTH!

From my own experience, getting checked for underactive thyroid and taking T3 or a combination of T3 and T4 helped; as did taking DHEA, the precursor to sex hormones that's made by the adrenal glands. In the United States, at the time of this writing, DHEA is available at healthfood stores.

There are some precautions to take when using DHEA and I've listed some links that may help.

She may be able to delay the onset of full-on menopause or at the very least avoid or delay many of the annoying symptoms, like hot flushes and night sweats.

Good luck to her! She's lucky to have you doing research on her behalf!

Answer 5

I think at that age they call it Peri-menopause. But is really the same thing.

I went into menopause (surgically) at that same age. It is a challenge. Ghastly hot flashes, mood swings, depression,
paranoia ( I take premarin to solve all of these side effects).

Tell Her Good Luck.

Answer 6

Menopause can start at anytime...she can find out for sure if it is this or just a hormone problem by a simple blood test from her doctor.

Answer 7

It runs threw my family. All the woman except a few went before they turned 40. I can't say much I have a few more years before it starts!!
I worked with a lady who was going threw it, she drove me mad!! She was always hot, and I am pretty much cold blooded. I would turn the heater on when I got to work and she would come in and turn the air con on. Annoyed me!!!
Have your friend talk to her Doctor about it. They get paid to answer all our silly questions!! (Trust me I take a book in when I go!!)

Answer 8

I started at about 36 and stopped having periods at 48. That 12 years inbetween almost killed me. My doctor put me on Celexa and it really helped control the hot flashes.

Answer 9

theres nothing to worry.
ive never went through it yet.
some women never go through it at all.
but theres never to early to start anything.
every body works differently.
and her body just works faster then others.
its completely normal=]

Answer 10

she may very well be beginning her change if this continues have her seek medical attention she need not suffer with this!!!!!!!!there is medication