Q. Could premature menopause be misdiagnosed as postnatal depression?

Premature menopause could be confused with postnatal depression if the woman’s periods have not returned after having a baby. However, menopause does not usually cause depression and is uncommon after recent fertility, but is possible. Usually there are other signs of menopause or of depression that make the diagnosis obvious. This is one situation where a blood test of hormone levels can help to sort things out.

Q. I experienced a surgical menopause when I was 46 years old, producing severe symptoms.  Is this common with surgically induced menopause?

Severe symptoms are more common with a surgically induced menopause due to the sudden decrease in hormones when the ovaries are removed.

Q. I have been put on the pill as I have entered early menopause at 41 and was beginning to experience hot flushes. When I go off it at about 50 (or as advised by the doctor), can I expect the flushes will return? In other words, is the pill just deferring the inevitable?

Being on the pill for early menopause is a good idea, both for symptom control and to enhance bone and heart health. If you cease in your early 50s your symptoms may or may not recur – it is not just deferring the inevitable.

Q. Do women who began menstruating very young have a higher risk of early menopause?

This is no evidence that this means your periods will finish earlier.

Q. I have early menopause. I started at the age of 37 and I am now 40. I was put on the pill to keep my periods but I still have symptoms, e.g. hot flushes, no sleep etc. Is this normal?

The pill you are taking may not be strong enough to improve your symptoms. Women who go through early menopause often need high doses of hormones to stop their symptoms. 

Content updated 26 August 2011