When you hear the word "menopause," you probably picture a woman in her 50s. While the average age for menopause (defined as 12 months without a period) is 51, this is just an average, not a guarantee. The truth is, menopause can and does happen much earlier. Women in their 40s, 30s, 20s, and even their teens can experience symptoms. If you're younger and feeling "menopausal," you're not alone, and it's important to know the facts. Understanding Early Menopause vs. POI There

When we talk about menopause, most of us picture it happening sometime in our early 50s. In the United States, the average age is 51. So, receiving a diagnosis related to ovarian failure decades earlier—before the age of 40—can feel isolating and deeply confusing. This diagnosis is often Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with POI, you know it’s more than just "early menopause." It’s a distinct medical condition that brings it