Early menopause is when a woman’s periods stop before the age of 45.
It can happen naturally if oestrogen is no longer being produced, as the result of cancer treatment, or from a medical condition like Turner syndrome.
The signs of early menopause are similar to the typical symptoms of menopause, including hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and a lack of interest in sex, difficulty sleeping, low mood, and problems with memory.
The combined contraceptive pill or HRT is usually prescribed as a substitute for missing hormones.