By Dr. Judson Eneas, For The Guardian

Question:

What age does menopause start as I keep waking up in the night so hot! I am only 32-years-old. Could there be another reason I get so hot in the night?

Answer:

The average age of menopause is 51.4 years of age. Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing eggs and estrogen levels begin to decrease. In a normal person, age 32 is too early to begin menopause but not impossible. If your hot flashes are due to menopause you would have noticed a change in your menstrual periods.

The menopausal transition begins when you begin to notice a variation in your menstrual cycle length. You may then progress to skipping menstrual cycles (perimenopausal) and most women will begin to experience hot flashes at this point. Menopause is defined as not having a menstrual period for 12 months, and hot flashes may occur definitely at this stage.

There is a variation in age of onset. About five percent of women will have onset of menopause after age 55 (menopause) and another five percent may have onset of menopause between ages 40-45 (early menopause). Onset of menopause before age 40 is rare and is due to premature ovarian failure, which will manifest itself in a change in your menstrual cycle.

Having said that, there is a long list of causes of night sweats which is beyond the scope of this article and should be evaluated by your physician. Some of the more benign causes of night sweats include obesity, esophageal reflux, cigarette smoking, alcohol, and medications. There are also a long list of diseases that cause night sweats and you should be evaluated by your physician.

Judson Eneas, MD

Internal Medicine Specialist

*This informative column is intended to educate the community about important issues regarding their health and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with a primary physician. For more information or for a physician referral, please call 302-4707.