Menopause is a single point in time when you’ve gone 12 months without a period —usually between the age of 45 and  52 – the average age is 51. It happens when your ovaries slow down hormone production. Sometimes it’s sudden (due to surgery or treatment), but often it’s a gradual shift. Menopause before the age of 45 is called early menopause and if it occurs before age 40 it is called premature menopause. If a woman has not yet reached menopause by age 55, it’s called delayed menopause or late menopause.

Early Menopause: 

• Genetics plays an important part in whether a women is predisposed to early or delayed menopause. A case-control study found women with a close relative who experienced menopause before age 46 had 6  times higher odds of early menopause; the risk rose to 9–12 times if a sister or multiple relatives were affected. 
• Certain chronic health conditions, including thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s, and autoimmune diseases (Lupus, Inflammatory bowel Disease, Rheumatoid arthritis can cause early menopause. 
• Chromosomal abnormalities – Some rare genetic conditions can trigger early menopause. One example is Fragile X syndrome, where abnormalities on the X chromosome affect ovarian function. Even though women have two X chromosomes, a defect on just one can be enough to disrupt hormone production and bring on menopause years before the average age.  Turner syndrome is a genetic condition that affects females. It happens when one of the X chromosomes is missing or incomplete. Typically, females have two X chromosomes (XX), but women with Turner syndrome have only one complete X chromosome (45,X) or have structural abnormalities in one of the Xs.
• Viral infections (e.g., mumps, cytomegalovirus, HIV)
• Long-term smoking or heavy smokers has also been associated with a shorter reproductive lifespan and earlier onset of menopause. 

Induced menopause could also be categorised as early menopause and may be caused by: 

• Oophorectomy  (when both ovaries are surgically removed) and/or Hysterectomy – menopause begins right away. It is more intense than the normal transition.
• Viral infections, like mumps, cytomegalovirus,or HIV
• Chemotherapy or radiation Therapy
• Ovarian damage from other Surgeries (E.g. cyst removal or damage to the ovary)
• Pelvic Injury
• Gender Affirming hormone therapy

Delayed menopause is often influenced by genetics. Genetics play a major role. If you have a close relative—especially a sister—who experienced menopause later than average, your chances of doing the same are higher. The number of childbirths also matters; women who’ve had more children often go through menopause at a later age.

Lifestyle habits are just as important. Regular physical activity and a consistently balanced diet can support a longer reproductive lifespan. In particular, diets rich in fruits, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and antioxidant-packed drinks like tea have been linked to later menopause.

Hormonal shifts during menopause can bring a mix of physical and emotional changes—like weight fluctuations, hot flashes, and changes in metabolism. But you’re not alone, and you don’t have to just “deal with it” or accept it as something to suffer through.

There are proven ways to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life—through lifestyle adjustments, nutrition, mindset shifts, and when needed, medical support. We will show you how.