Early Menopause
Early menopause is defined as menopause that occurs between the ages of 40 and 45. It is said to affect 5% of women.As with regular menopause, it means that a woman is no longer menstruating and cannot get pregnant naturally.
It is often confused with premature menopause, which is defined as one that takes place before the age of 40.
For reference, the average menopause age in the United States is 51, with the majority of women entering the transition between the ages of 45 and 55.
What Causes Early Menopause?
The most common causes of early menopause include the following:
• Family history, such as having a close relative who has undergone early menopause
• Autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis
• Chromosomal abnormalities, such as Fragile X or Turner’s syndrome
• Viral infections, like mumps, cytomegalovirus, or HIV
• Radio- or chemotherapy side effects
• Oophorectomy, which is the surgical removal of ovaries, the main estrogen and progesterone producers
• Unhealthy habits, such as smoking
Early Menopause Symptoms
During that period, one of the first symptoms women notice are irregular periods. Others may include the following:
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Mood swings
• Brittle nails
• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Loss of libido
• Irregular heartbeat
Early Menopause Signs
Most commonly analyzed signs of menopause include the following:
• Abnormal hormone levels, such as estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstrual periods
Because thyroid disorders may cause similar symptoms, a doctor may also look at thyroid hormones to rule them out.
Medical treatments for early menopause
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is recommended to counteract the risks associated with early menopause. It is generally prescribed short-term until women reach the typical menopause age. It is worth keeping in mind that HRT should be used with caution due to the increased health risks associated with its long-term use.6
• Other medications may be given depending on specific symptoms, including sleeping aids for sleep disorders, antidepressants for depression, and others.
Early Menopause Risks & Consequences
The risks associated with early menopause mainly concern low estrogen levels since they will persist for a longer period of time than in women entering menopause at the typical age. They include the following:
• Menopausal heart disease. Studies have linked younger age at menopause with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Osteoporosis. Consistently low estrogen and progesterone levels may cause the bones to become less dense, making women more prone to fractures.
• Fertility loss. When it happens as a consequence of early menopause,it may be especially difficult for women who were trying to get pregnant as they will have to rely on in vitro fertilization(IVF) with donor eggs.
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