London – The average age at which women go through the menopause in Britain is 51.
But a British study has found that one woman in 20 goes through an early menopause, before the age of 45, because her ovaries stop working properly.
Menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries run out of eggs, meaning she can no longer have children.
The process can be gradual, with a woman producing eggs and having periods intermittently.
During this perimenopause stage, which can last years, a woman may still conceive, although experts usually describe the chance as negligible.
Medical experts are unclear of the causes for early menopause.
There may be no medical reasons for this onset, or it may be caused by hysterectomy, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Daily Mail