The average age when a woman goes into menopause is 51, even though medical professionals have long recognized that some women have early menopause symptoms as early as 10 to 15 years before menstruation stops completely.

Each woman is different, as are the fluctuating hormones that signal the start of early menopause symptoms. This transitional period of time, when early menopause symptoms surface, is officially termed perimenopause. Common symptoms of perimenopause include irregular periods, heavy bleeding, hot flashes, sleep disruption, headaches, dry eyes, vaginal changes, hair loss, weight gain, loss of libido, fuzzy thinking and drastic mood swings.

Menopause is traditionally considered an issue for middle-aged women, however, more younger women are reporting early menopause symptoms.  according to a report by KBOI2.com, new research shows perimenopause is taking its course much earlier for some women.

If a woman does not menstruate for 12 consecutive months prior to age 40 it’s considered premature menopause. Sometimes it can even hit as early the 30′s or even in the 20′s. “Many people have symptoms they attribute to other reasons,” said Dr. William Madland with Saint Alphonsus Medical Group. “But when you evaluate them and get detailed histories and hormone studies you can determine that many of their symptoms are caused by the process of menopause.”

There is no consensus on what is causing women to have early menopause symptoms at much younger ages. some believe it’s the result of diets that are made up of processed foods high in refined carbs and low in protein. Others blame chronic exposure to environmental toxins and the heavy use of artificial hormones. some studies place the blame on over production of estrogen from emotional and physical stress due to fast paced and hectic lifestyles. whatever the cause, most women experiencing early menopause symptoms prior to age 40 don’t want to believe they are going through the change of life. While there is nothing a woman can do to halt menopause once it begins, knowing when it is going to happen can relieve some of the fears and help women develop a plan for menopause treatment. to help, doctors can perform tests that measure different hormone levels, like FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and estrogen. And now there is a new blood test available that can determine if a woman has the four genes linked to early menopause. Knowledge about what is going on is a powerful tool for understanding early menopause symptoms and helping women feel in control of their bodies.

Learn how to ease early menopause symptoms with Vibrant Nation’s FREE special report Top 5 Remedies to Stop Hot Flashes and Hormonal Night Sweats During Menopause.