Emma Kalman
The typical age for menopause is between the ages of 49 and 52, but not all women experience it at this age. When menopause occurs before the age of 45, this is referred to as early menopause. Some women may experience menopause as early as 40 and are also known as premature menopause.
Menopause is clinically defined by the absence of menstrual periods for 12 months consecutively. It is quite common, actually, affecting 1 in every 1,000 women aged between 15 and 29, and affecting 1 in every 100 women between the ages of 30 and 39.
The impact of premature menopause on physical health, emotional health and relationships can be significant. For a woman, premature menopause can be a very difficult period, during which she will need all the support and love from her family and friends.
Despite occurring earlier than normal, premature menopause has the same exact symptoms, as ‘normal’ menopause.
These symptoms include:
• changes in menstrual volume with the bleeding becoming either heavier or lighter
• irregular occurring of periods, sometimes even missed periods
• hot flashes, which are feelings of warmth around the upper body part
• decreased sex drive and vaginal dryness
• mood swings, depression, and irritability
• dryness of the skin, mouth, and eyes
• insomnia
• bladder irritability and incontinence where the woman loses bladder control
The symptoms are similar to ‘normal’ menopause because they are all caused by a decreased production of progesterone hormone by the ovaries.
Premature menopause can be the result of various factors, ranging from medical conditions to induced menopause.
Medical conditions
There are several medical conditions associated with premature menopause including autoimmune disorders, premature ovarian failure, thyroid diseases and diabetes.
Lifestyle choices
Cigarette smoking has been shown to trigger premature menopause, and so do weight issues, either being too thin or having a high BMI (body mass index).
Genetics
It has also been observed that the chances of experiencing a premature menopause are higher among women whose relatives also had the problem, and this is probably because of genetic factors.
Induced menopause
These are the causes of premature menopause that are directly caused by external factors, most often the removal of ovaries, oophorectomy. The removal of the uterus may stop the menstrual bleeding, but it won’t bring about the symptoms of menopause. Exposure to radiation and/or chemotherapy to treat cancer can also cause premature menopause.
One of the greatest concerns when it comes to premature menopause is infertility, especially when starting at a very young age among women who didn’t give birth to any children yet or among those other women who would have wanted to have other children as well.
However, there are other medical conditions to whom, premature loss of normal estrogen levels contributes, such as:
• Osteoporosis,
• Dementia,
• Heart diseases,
• Depression,
• Premature death, etc.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment available that can reverse the premature menopause from running its cause, regardless of age, and this can be a source of grief to a woman who wanted children of their own.
Deciding whether to seek medical help or not depends on how much the signs and symptoms of premature menopause interfere with your daily activities and life.
However, there are certain measures that can be taken to alleviate the symptoms, if they are too serious. Hormone therapy is one such measure that attempts to replace the reduced progesterone and estrogen hormone levels. These could be taken as oral pills. There are also hormonal creams which are applied directly in the vaginal area in order to reduce the vaginal dryness and thinning. Vaginal dryness has a great impact in the sexual life of a woman and in her sexual performance.
You can also avoid hot flash triggers like hot drinks and spicy foods while ensuring you are dressed well to reduce overheating.
Other measures are aimed at minimizing the risks associated with menopause, such as vitamin D and other medications to deal with bone loss, or counseling to help with the depression. You should also quit smoking to reduce the chances of osteoporosis, also due to the bone loss.
Regular physical activity and a healthy diet are very important for the overall health and especially for women undergoing preterm menopause. These women need to pay attention to their increased risk for cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis. For more information, visit.
