Menopause occurring before the age of 40. Early menopause is defined as menopause before the age of 45. Sometimes menopause occurs spontaneously during a woman’s 20s or 30s. Usually, no cause can be found. In other cases, the ovaries fail as a result of treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Untreated premature menopause puts a woman at higher risk of developing osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Further information on this subject can be found at www.daisynetwork.org.uk