Let’s be honest—menopause is one of those things every woman knows is coming, but when it actually starts happening, it can feel like a complete mystery. If you’re in your late 30s or early 40s and your periods have started doing their own thing— maybe skipping a month here, showing up early there—it’s only natural to wonder, “Am I going through perimenopause? Or is this early menopause?” It’s confusing, and it can be a little scary too. But take a deep breath; we’re going to walk through this together.

Menopause isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s officially marked by 12 straight months without a period, meaning your ovaries have stopped releasing eggs, and your reproductive years are behind you. But before you get there, your body goes through a transition phase called perimenopause. This is when things start to shift—your hormone levels fluctuate, and you might start noticing some of those classic symptoms like hot flashes or mood swings.

Most women hit menopause around age 51, but some experience it earlier, sometimes as young as 40 or even younger. If this is happening to you, it’s called early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency. It’s less common, but you’re not alone—about 5% of women go through this. And yes, it’s a lot to take in.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here because early menopause can be triggered by a variety of factors. Here’s what you need to know:

Have you had surgery that involved removing your ovaries or even a hysterectomy? If so, that could be why you’re experiencing early menopause. When the ovaries are removed, menopause happens immediately. Even a hysterectomy, where just the uterus is removed, can bring menopause on a little sooner than expected.

If you’ve undergone chemotherapy or radiation, especially in the pelvic area, these treatments can damage your ovaries and lead to early menopause. It’s tough, but knowing the cause can help you manage what’s happening.

Certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disorders can actually cause your body to attack your own reproductive system, leading to early menopause.

Here’s the thing—how you live your life really matters. Smoking, for example, is a big factor. It accelerates the ageing of your ovaries, making you up to 30% more likely to experience early menopause. Diet, exercise, and even how much alcohol you drink can all influence when and how menopause happens. It’s another reminder of how important self-care is, especially now.

If your mum or sisters went through menopause early, there’s a good chance you might too. Sometimes it just runs in the family.

Figuring out if you’re going through early menopause isn’t always straightforward, but there are some signs to watch for, perimenopause symptoms are one major clue.

One of the first things you might notice is that your periods start to get unpredictable. Maybe they’re lighter, or maybe they disappear for a month or two and then come back. This could be your body’s way of saying it’s entering
perimenopause.

Frequent trips to the loo or unexpected leaks might indicate hormonal changes affecting your pelvic floor.

Increased frequency of headaches, especially migraines, can be due to fluctuating hormone levels.

If your hair starts thinning or falling out more than usual, it could be linked to lower oestrogen levels.

Aches and stiffness, particularly in the morning, can be due to reduced oestrogen, which affects inflammation.

These sudden waves of heat, often followed by sweating and a flushed face, are a hallmark of menopause. They can be mild or intense and might come on unexpectedly.

Thinning and dryness of vaginal tissues can lead to discomfort, especially during sex.

Waking up drenched in sweat is not only uncomfortable but can also disrupt your sleep. Night sweats are essentially hot flushes that happen during the night, and they’re another sign that your body is going through hormonal changes.

Hormonal changes can interfere with your sleep patterns, making it harder to get a good night’s rest. Insomnia can be a frustrating symptom of early menopause.

Lower libido is common due to both physical and emotional changes during early menopause.

You might notice the numbers on the scale creeping up, particularly around your midsection. Hormonal changes can slow down your metabolism, making it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it, even if your eating habits haven’t changed.

Feeling forgetful or having trouble concentrating? Many women describe this as “brain fog,” and it’s a common complaint during perimenopause.

That feeling of being constantly tired, no matter how much sleep you get, can be linked to the hormonal changes of early menopause. Fatigue can be overwhelming and might make it hard to get through the day.

As oestrogen levels drop, your skin can become drier, more sensitive, and prone to itching.

Mood swings, anxiety, and even bouts of depression can strike during early menopause.

Breast tenderness or swelling can occur as your hormone levels fluctuate during early menopause.

Okay, so if you’re dealing with early menopause, what now? First off, know that you’re not powerless here—there are things you can do to feel better and take control of your health.

Our Neuaura Menopause Supplement is designed specifically to help ease even the most stubborn symptoms of menopause. It’s packed with essential natural ingredients that help balance your hormones, reduce those pesky hot flushes, and help you get a better night’s sleep. It’s like a little support system in a bottle.

Your lifestyle plays a huge role in how you feel. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, veg, and whole grains can help your body cope with the changes. Regular exercise isn’t just good for your body; it’s a great mood booster too. And if you smoke, now’s a great time to quit—not just for menopause but for your overall health.

This time in your life can be stressful, no doubt about it. But finding ways to manage that stress—whether it’s through yoga, meditation, or just taking a little time for yourself—can make a big difference in how you feel.

Hormonal changes can lead to dry skin and even vaginal dryness. Drink plenty of water and consider using a vaginal moisturiser to keep things comfortable.

Your healthcare provider can do a blood test to check your hormone levels. High levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) can be a sign that your body is entering perimenopause, and this might mean early menopause is on the horizon.

Early menopause can feel like a curveball, but remember—you’re not alone, and you’ve got options. By understanding what’s happening in your body and making some healthy changes, you can navigate this stage of life with confidence. You’ve got this, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.