What experts are saying about early and surgical menopause
Here's what the experts have to say.
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Quick facts
Early menopause is described as menopause before age 45 and premature menopause before age 40 in one source, with primary ovarian insufficiency and surgical removal of both ovaries discussed separately. Experts below describe abrupt versus gradual onset and longer time without hormones as topics. Individual treatment plans are presented as physician discussions.
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Dr. Stacy SimsMSc, PhD, exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist
Researcher
Dr. Sims explains early, premature, and surgical menopause and management topics in this article.
Dr. Sims describes early menopause as cessation of periods before age 45 and premature menopause before age 40 as she presents the definitions. She describes surgical menopause as abrupt menopause after removal of both ovaries, with symptoms described as more severe and immediate especially in the first six months. She discusses primary ovarian insufficiency causes and that ovulation may still occur from time to time. She lists hormone therapy, non-hormonal alternatives, exercise, and protein recommendations as topics discussed with a physician.
Dr. Mary Claire HaverMD, FACOG, MSCP, board-certified OB-GYN and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner
Medical doctor
Dr. Haver discusses early menopause and ovarian insufficiency definitions in this episode.
Dr. Haver discusses early menopause and ovarian insufficiency definitions in the episode as summarized in topic notes. She discusses perimenopause as the years before the last menstrual period in relation to declining ovarian function. She describes hormone fluctuations before hormone levels decline. This is a broad episode covering timing definitions among other topics.
Dr. Gunter mentions GSM in primary ovarian insufficiency and premature menopause in this post.
Dr. Gunter notes that people with primary ovarian insufficiency and premature menopause will also get GSM as she presents it in the post. She describes GSM symptoms and therapies in the post. She discusses onset varying significantly between individuals. This source focuses on GSM in the early menopause context.
Dr. Jolene BrightenBoard-certified naturopathic endocrinologist, FABNE, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP)
Licensed practitioner
Dr. Brighten discusses perimenopause timing before menopause in this episode.
Dr. Brighten states that perimenopausal symptoms can occur seven to ten years before menopause as she presents the timeline. She gives an average age of menopause in the United States of about 51 in this episode. She defines menopause as 12 consecutive months without a period. She describes phases based on cycle and symptom changes.
Dr. Sharon MaloneMD, FACOG, MSCP, board-certified OB-GYN
Medical doctor
Dr. Malone discusses hormone timing around menopause in this interview.
Dr. Malone discusses starting hormone treatment around menopause or within 10 years of the last period as a timing topic raised in the interview. She describes estrogen categories and vaginal estrogen separately. She states hot flashes can begin in perimenopause and continue after the last period. The interview covers hormone forms and timing.
Alloy website, interview with Dr. Sharon Malone · April 12, 2024See the original ↗
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Dr. Peter AttiaMD
Medical doctor
Dr. Attia discusses menopause diagnosis timing in this AMA episode.
Dr. Attia describes menopause as diagnosed retrospectively after 12 months without a period, without another obvious cause. He discusses FSH and estradiol in evaluating the approach to menopause. The show notes state symptoms can occur before the 12-month point. The full episode is subscriber-only, with a public preview and show notes.
The Peter Attia Drive podcast, AMA #52 · October 16, 2023See the original ↗
MenoFYI shares what experts have said publicly. It is not medical advice. Talk to your own doctor before making health decisions.