Is menopause at age 40 early?

Peppermint Patty 47 · December 2011

I wonder if anyone can offer some support with going through pregnancy loss, infertility, and menopause.I got pregnant naturally a year ago after just turning 40. I lost the pregnancy at 16 weeks. My OB reassured me that as long as I kept having periods, all would be fine. A few months later, I had my FSH measured, and a follicle count done. The news was all bad. I tried one cycle of clomid, but my follicle count was 0. A few months later, my FSH was 44, I had no follicles, and I pretty much stopped having a period.Has anyone else gone through menopause at age 40-41. My doctors tell me this is normal, not "early". But I don't know anyone else who has gone through it at this age. I feel like I have gone through menopause alone. I'm now doing IVF with an egg donor. Has anyone else gone through menopause at age 40-41?

Mrs.McIrish · December 2011

I have already posted to you on the IF board earlier this week to this question but just wanted to say FSH cannot be tested on days other than CD2 or CD3. If you aren't getting a period, that FSH of 44 isn't helpful. I think IVF with DE is a wonderful option but it is not the only option. Are you seeing an RE or just an OB?

Also, there is a DOR/POF check in on Wednesday on the IF board. I also think you would find others in your situation on the Forum 54 High FSH Board Age >40.

benoitfan · December 2011

IMO 40 is early. Most women I know that are going through menopause are in their 50s.

I do not have any experience with IF, but I am 40 and suffered a m/c on Oct 12. I had regular periods before I got pg last Aug (every 25-26 days) and I can usually feel ovulation. AF has just finally returned post d&C (after missing in action for 70 days). I have had some additional b/w because of the delay in my post m/c AF, but have not yet had an FSH. I went for a followup u/s today. Depending on the b/w and u/s results, I may need more testing, but I fully expect that I will o this weekend and AF should arrive mid Jan.

Sometimes, it takes a while for your body to get back into gear post m/c. My cycle was almost 3x as long as normal post m/c, so maybe you aren't o'ing regularly because your body is just getting back to normal, not because you are going through menopause. Not sure if this is helpful at all, but it's my experience.

MelleTX · December 2011

40 is very early unless you have a family history of early menopause. Do you know how old your mother was?

My mother was considered going through early menopause at age 50 as my grandmother was close to 60.

Temp556193750005695 · December 2011

40 is early but it is not uncommon. On my paternal side, 44-50 is the time of menopause and it's 49-51 on my maternal side. You're not alone.

Adi · December 2011

Perimenopause can start as early as 35, and menopause can start as early as 40, they don't call it menopause until you've gone a full year without ovulating though. My sister is 38 and has been experiencing symptoms of perimenopause for quite a while now. It;s different for everyone. I hope the DE works for you!

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Is menopause at age 40 early?

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