Early or sudden menopause refers to menopause which occurs before you reach the age of 45. Menopause signifies the end of the fertile stage in women. It is the cessation of menstrual periods. Early menopause can be triggered by a hysterectomy, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy, radiation, anorexia or reactions to certain medications. If you are younger than 45 and are experiencing menopausal symptoms, you are considered to be going through early menopause.

Early menopause usually occurs very abruptly. In just months, weeks or even over the span of a few days, hormone levels will drop suddenly. Since it arises so suddenly it is very important to learn the signs of early menopause symptoms to help develop a plan to cope with it.

Below are early menopause symptoms to get you more familiar with the physical, mental and emotional changes that take place.

Irregular Periods: Missed or skipped periods are common. Periods can show up early or late or not at all. They have been known to disappear some months and return again. You may experience extremely light bleeding to very heavy bleeding. Periods will begin to slow down and eventually stop altogether.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: More than 75% of women going through menopause experience hot flashes. These are a hot feeling that shoots all over the body. They can spike your temperature up to eight degrees. As your body attempts to cool down you will break out into an uncomfortable sweat. Hot flashes at night are referred to as night sweats.

Bladder Control Problems: More frequent urination, more urgency to go, stress incontinence and occasional leaks are common.

Infertility: This is one of the most upsetting ways to find out that you may be in early menopause. If you are having trouble trying to conceive you may have to see a doctor and take a test to find out what the root of the problem is.

Skin Changes: This includes dry, itchy, wrinkling and tingling skin and some muscle tone loss.

Breast Tenderness: Much like what is experienced during premenstrual syndrome, your breasts may feel swollen or tender.

Weight Gain: Weight gain typically around the hips and thighs.

Trouble Sleeping: Restlessness coupled with night sweats make sleeping very difficult.

Heart Palpitations: A racing heartbeat that often includes sweat breakouts and anxiety.

Vaginal Dryness: Due to a drop in estrogen, the normal lubrication of the vagina becomes dried out. The vaginal walls become thinner and much more difficult to stretch out. As a result, the accommodations the vagina once had for sex and childbirth diminish.

Sore Joints and Muscle Aches: The drop in estrogen often leads to flu-like joint and muscle pains.

More Facial Hair: Dark, coarse hair growth on the upper lip, chin, chest and abdomen are normal.

Dry Mouth: Due to drying of mucous membranes.

Gastrointestinal Problems: You can expect heartburn, indigestion and nausea to occur frequently.

Other early menopause symptoms include hair loss and thinning hair, irritability, decreased sex drive, dizziness, constant bloating, changes in body odor, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, fatigue, emotional detachment and anxiety.