You are in Member Communities . A small percentage of women go through menopause before the age of 40.
Some women come from families that have a tendency to run out of eggs earlier than others.
It does sound as if you are experiencing classic menopausal symptoms. In view of your sleepiness, and weight gain, you might want to have your thyroid checked since the symptoms of menopause and thyroid conditions overlap. The pill will not prevent menopause and it will result in the continuation of periods. If you continue to take the oral contraceptive, you will not know that you have gone through menopause until about the age of 60, when the endometrium will become inactive and eventually the periods will cease. The pill is taken by many women during perimenopause as it regulates periods, alleviates symptoms, and prevents pregnancy.