Whatever the cause or circumstance, the conditions women experience before and after menopause are very real and sometimes very serious. Everybody is different. No one should worry about it until they see how it is for them then decide what to do. D.A., Boston, MA Menopause is Unpredictable Perimenopause may begin as early as 35. It starts about two years earlier for women who smoke than for women who don't.
Women reach menopause at different times.
The average age for menopause is 51. If menopause is reached naturally or surgically before the age of 40, it is called early menopause. Estrogen levels drop very abruptly during surgical menopause especially when both ovaries are removed at the same time. This often intensifies the conditions associated with menopause and may lead to major physical and emotional changes, including depression. It is somewhat reassuring to remember that perimenopause is just a phase that all these symptoms are temporary.