There are some women who experience early menopause symptoms, sometimes beginning in their 30s. This can cause great anxiety in a woman who is much younger than the traditional age for menopause. Most women in this position are very concerned about the effects of early menopause and want to know what to expect.

It's not unheard of for menopause to happen to women under the age of 40, who can experience early menopause symptoms at a much younger than normal age. Think about the psychological impact that early menopause can have on a woman of this age. On top of the normal emotional and mental experiences of menopause, going through a premature cycle can be just as traumatic.

When your body slows its production of estrogen at a young age, it will likely result in the same symptoms that older women experience during the change of life, including night sweats, hot flashes, reduced libido, internal and external dryness, pain in the joints, and also difficulty sleeping. This experience is, as a rule, more traumatic for younger women who are undergoing menopause than for those who are of an age where they would expect to be going through it.

Premature menopause can be caused by things such as early ovarian failure, which happens as a result of an immune system disorder. Surgery can also bring about early menopause symptoms. For example, your hormone levels drop rapidly and you will experience instant menopause if you have surgery either to remove the ovaries or a full hysterectomy. If you undergo a hysterectomy, even if your ovaries are not taken out, they can potentially be damaged during the process.

Early onset menopause may also be caused by having your tubes tied. Excessive weight loss is another factor, particularly if it arises from anorexia. You might want to find out the age at which your mother started menopause to see if there's a genetic tendency. However, before you decide that your symptoms indicate that you are in menopause, consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

If you are experiencing early menopause symptoms, contact your local clinic or hospital for names of support groups that can offer guidance through the various phases of this time of your life. The passing of your childbearing years can be emotionally traumatic, and it's important to take the time to understand and mourn this loss. There really is no substitute for the support of family and friends, which is especially crucial for younger women at this time.

In the end, it's important that you give yourself sufficient time to understand and deal with the physical and psychological changes of early menopause symptoms. Be open and honest in revealing your emotions and thoughts. The thing to remember is that it is a natural part of aging; no-one is to blame. There is no sense in adding guilt to the complex emotions you may be feeling at this time, as it will make you feel worse, not better, and to no purpose. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself the time to mourn, because it will be easier to do this first, and then discuss alternatives available to you afterward.