Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive age and the end of her menstrual cycle.
Even though most women go through menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, some women might experience symptoms much earlier or later in life. When it happens to a woman who is not yet 40 years old, it’s called premature menopause.
This article discusses everything there is to know about premature menopause including what it means, its common causes, as well as some of the symptoms that a woman going through premature menopause might experience.
What Is Premature Menopause?
Premature menopause, also known as premature ovarian failure, occurs when a woman's ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40.
A woman’s ovaries produce eggs as well as oestrogen and progesterone hormones. When they stop functioning earlier than normal, the woman might experience symptoms similar to the ones experienced during natural menopause.
Causes Of Premature Menopause.
Premature menopause can happen naturally or as a side effect of other factors. Here are some of the leading causes of premature menopause.
Genetics.
One of the main contributing factors to premature menopause is a woman’s genetics. You are more likely to experience premature menopause if any of your relatives went through menopause at an early age.
Additionally, some genetic mutations including those that are associated with Turner syndrome can also cause premature menopause.
Ovary-Removal Surgery (Oophorectomy).
Women who have had both of their ovaries removed before menopause have a high risk of experiencing premature menopause.
Oestrogen and progesterone hormones are normally produced in the ovaries. After their removal, the production of the two hormones is halted and menopause kicks in.
Cancer Treatments.
Some cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage the ovaries and cause premature menopause.
Autoimmune Disorders.
Premature menopause can also be caused by some autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and connective tissue disease have all been linked with early menopause.
Smoking.
Among the many health risks that women who smoke face include the risk of experiencing premature menopause.
According to studies, cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that can harm the ovaries and result in the early depletion of their eggs. Women who smoke typically experience menopause 1 to 2 years earlier than nonsmokers.
Signs And Symptoms Of Premature Menopause.
Women who go through premature menopause often exhibit the same signs and symptoms as women going through natural menopause.
Since women’s bodies are different, some women might experience mild symptoms while some have extreme symptoms that can have a huge effect on the quality of their lives.
Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of premature menopause:
Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of premature menopause:
- Irregular periods that eventually stop altogether.
- Hot flushes and night sweats.
- Vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse.
- Reduced sex drive/ lowered libido.
- Changes in moods marked with depression or anxiety.
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems.
What To Do If You Suspect You Are Going Through Premature Menopause.
If you suspect that you are going through premature menopause, here are a couple of measures that you can take.
Consult With Your Doctor.
Instead of jumping to the conclusion that you are going through premature menopause, you should first see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Blood tests to measure hormone levels and other tests to rule out other possible causes of symptoms can be used to make a diagnosis.
Treatment options are frequently dependent on the underlying cause of the condition, but they can include hormone replacement therapy, which relieves the symptoms of premature menopause and lowers the risk of health problems associated with it.
Treatment options are frequently dependent on the underlying cause of the condition, but they can include hormone replacement therapy, which relieves the symptoms of premature menopause and lowers the risk of health problems associated with it.
Seek Support.
In addition to seeking help from your doctor, also try to talk to other women who have gone through menopause already as they not only understand what you are going through, but they might have a few tips on how they managed their symptoms.
Read Also: Women With Beards Are Normal And Beautiful.