The average age for women experiencing menopause in the United States is 51. However there are several factors that can result in women experiencing menopause much earlier. Menopause occurring before the age of 40 is known as premature menopause. Early menopause affects around 1% women in the world. Some factors that are responsible for premature menopause symptoms whether induced or natural include genetics and medical procedures or illnesses.

This form of menopause can be identified through some premature menopause symptoms that include mood swings and hot flashes. Many women experiencing this form of menopause also have to cope with some emotional and other physical concerns. It may be very difficult for some women to face premature menopause if they wish to get pregnant since menopause results in end of fertility for women.

The premature menopause symptoms are not too different than those experienced by women going through natural menopause. Some of these symptoms include irregularity or missing of the menstrual period. Instead of the usual 24 days the periods may come much earlier or later. The bleeding may last for a few days and this may be followed by heavy bleeding the next time. These erratic changes are because of changes in the hormones.

One of the telling premature menopause symptoms is hot flashes. Many women experience sudden feelings of warmth and this is called hot flashes. This feeling of warmth spreads over the body, particularly the back and neck. These hot flashes may be accompanied by excessive sweating. These symptoms are experienced because of production of less estrogen. In some cases this hot and sweaty feeling may be followed by shivering.

Some other premature menopause symptoms include vaginal dryness. Such dryness in the vagina is also accompanied by the vagina becoming thinner. This is because of lowered estrogen levels. Women experiencing premature menopause find that it takes longer to achieve sexual arousal. Intercourse in this situation can be painful.

Incontinence or bladder control loss can also be experienced in premature menopause. The need to urinate frequently may arise. As the urethral lining becomes thin the accompanying stress can results in release of a tiny amount of urine from time to time. Premature menopause also results in dryness in the eyes or mouth and may also be accompanied by sleeplessness. Decreased sex drive is also one of the premature menopause symptoms.

The body shape of women going through premature menopause changes. Women tend to put on weight in the abdomen region and often water retention accompanies early menopause. Emotional changes are also a part of premature menopause symptoms. The changes include mood swings, mild depression and irritability. Anxiety, forgetfulness and cravings are also commonly experienced in premature menopause.

Palpitations are also one of the premature menopause symptoms. Some women tend to experience breast tenderness and tingling or itchiness of skin. Some other women may experience a buzzing in the head. Some other symptoms include changes in the body odor and dry mouth. Insomnia is also generally experienced as a part of this condition. This sleeplessness can also be caused because of night sweats. Premature menopause also results in wrinkling of skin. This happens because of reduced collagen production.

Gastrointestinal distress is often experienced in premature menopause. Women may experience heartburn, gas and indigestion. Soreness in joints may also be experienced along with hair loss and thinning of hair.