Background
Menopause is a natural milestone in every woman’s life, typically arriving between ages 45 and 55 when periods cease and fertility ends. However, for some women, menopause arrives much earlier—sometimes before age 40 or even 35. This phenomenon, known as early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), affects approximately 1% of women globally. Early menopause can have profound physical, emotional, and social impacts, making it important to understand its causes, dispel myths, and adopt proactive health strategies.
